PRICE 30 CENTS 


SPECIALTY 
ENTERTAINMENTS 
FOR LITTLE FOLKS 





8difk Iz Am. Paint on 


Becklet)Gxrdi) CompatuJ 

CHI C A G O 






































i 



SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


FOE LITTLE FOLKS 


BY 

EDITH F. A. U. PAINTON 

M 

Author of The Value of X 
Dialogues and Plays for Entertainment Days 
Polly in History-Land 
The Prize Essay 



BECKLEY-CARDY company 

CHICAGO 





COPYRIGHT 1917 BY BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 






©CIA481256 

i ° 



DEC 31 1917 


j 


5. •■fr • V x ' w . 1 ' B 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Howdy Do!. 5 

8 girls 

Good Night. 12 

10 girls 

JFhe Doll Show. 14 

7 girls, 3 boys 

Selling the Baby. 23 

1 boy, 1 girl 

Bob’s Thanksgiving Party. 25 

4 boys 

The Little Gossips. 28 

2 girls 

Crowning the Nation’s King.. 31 

5 girls, 5 boys 

Hello, Bill !. 37 

1 boy 

Schoolroom Fairies. 40 

5 girls 

The Sewing Society. 43 

8 girls 

Little Men .. .. 47 

Any number of boys 

The Women of To-morrow. 49 

15 girls 
















4 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

The Snowflakes. 53 

1 boy, any number of girls 

uOood-Bye, All ! . 60 

Any number of bays and girls 

The Tots’ Good Night. 73 

12 girls 

Accidents Will Happen. S3 

4 girls 

Baseball. 87 

9 boys 

Mollie and I. 90 

^ 3 girls 

America. 92 

7 children 

Fourteen-Ninety- Two. 93 

8 children 

Coming Home to Grandma’s. 95 

5 girls 

The People’s Man.. 98 

7 children 

The Provident Society. 100 

Any number of girls and bays 













SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 
FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


HOWDY DO! 

WELCOME SKETCH FOR EIGHT LITTLE GIRLS 

First Girl [comes on alone and calls others] : 

Girls! Girls! Where are those girls ? Oh, dear! 

Why don’t they hurry? Girls, come here! 

Other Girls [all running on] : 

Do you want mef Did you want mef 
Did you call met We ’re here, you see! 

[Assign parts to suit.] 
Why were you making all that fuss? 

What did you have to say to us? 

First Girl: 

Why, didn’t you know we were to say 
The words of welcome here to-day ? 

All: 

Oh, no! _no! no! no ! no! no! no! 

Oh, do we? Is it really so? 

Second Girl : 

How can we make a welcome speech 
When we have never learned to preach? 

[All shake heads in answer.] 

Third Girl : 

How can we welcome them to-day 
When we don’t know a word to say? 

[All shake heads in answer.] 
5 


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Fourth Girl: 

How can we even make a bow 
Without someone to show us how ? 

[All shake heads and sigh.] 

Fifth Girl: 

How could we even sing a song 
Until we’d practiced loud and long ? 

[All shake heads and sigh.] 

Sixth Girl: 

I 11 tell you! We can dance, can’t we, 

To show how welcome they must be? 

[All look at one another, nodding eagerly.] 

Seventh Girl: 

But do you think they 11 really see 
Just why we dance with so much glee? 

[All look at one another, finger on lip, as in thought.] 

Eighth Girl: 

Oh, sure! We 11 dance, and make it clear 
We dance for joy because they ’re here! 

First Girl : 

Then shall we try it? [Looks at each in turn.] 

All: Yes, yes, yes! 

They 11 understand our joy, we guess! 

[All take hold of hands and circle around with skip¬ 
ping dance steps to quick music, looking over 
shoidders and smiling at audience, as each comes 
into view. Nod heads in time to music, also. 
Pianist strikes chord, and All pause in conversa¬ 
tional positions again.] 

First Girl: 

Now, do they look as if they knew 
What we were trying hard to do? 

[All look at audience slyly as though studying them .] 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


7 


Second Girl: 

I don’t know! [Shakes head.] 

They seem well content 
To see the way their time is spent! 

First Girl: 

But do you think they look, for true, 

As welcome as we wish-them to? 

[All look again very carefully and solemnly.] 

Third Girl : 

I see one face that looks quite sad! 

Fourth Girl: 

And one seems to be feeling bad! 

Fifth Girl: 

I see a boy who is really glum; % 

He just seems sorry he has come. 

All [looking at one another and wringing hands in despair]: 
Oh, my! Oh, my ! What shall we do ? 

First Girl [shaking finger at the others] : 

We must make him feel happy, too! 

All [looking at each other questioningly] : 

But how? 

First Girl : Look at him all the while 

And smile, and smile, and smile, and smile! 

Second Girl [looking at others and nodding wisely] : 

It won’t do any harm to try, 

If you [looking at First Girl quickly] 
are quite sure he ’ll know why! 

[All look at different people in audience and smile 
very sweetly. Each must look in a different direc¬ 
tion, or the effect will he spoiled.] 


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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


All [suddenly stop and look at one another, clapping hands] 
There! There! He smiled! 

First Girl : I’m sure he’s glad, 

And nevermore will look so sad! 

Third Girl: 

But are we through, and can we go? 

[All look at one another quest ioningly.] 

Fourth Girl [shaking head] : 

They aren’t welcomed yet, you know! 

Fifth Girl [in great surprise] : 

Why, what more can we do or say 
To bid them welcome here to-day? 

Sixth Girl: t 

We ought to make a little speech, 

To speak a pleasant word to each! 

All [in despair , wringing hands] : 

Oh, dear! dear! dear! 

Seventh Girl : Or sing some song 

To make our greeting sound real strong! 

Eighth Girl [looks from one to the others] : 

Say, what do people ever say 
To bid folks welcome, anyway? 

First Girl: 

Some say “Good morning!” 

Second Girl : Some ‘ ‘ Good day! ’ ’ 

Third Girl: 

Or else “Good evening!” 

Fourth Girl [nodding wisely] : 

Some such way! 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


9 


Fifth Girl: 

Some say “Hello!” 

Sixth Girl : But that’s no way 

For great big girls like us to say! 

[All straighten up and look very big and proud. 

Seventh Girl: 

We ’ll have to smile real sweet, you know, 

Like this! [Smiles sweetly.] 

Sixth Girl: And bow so nicely—so! [ Bows low.] 

Fifth Girl : 

But say, girls, why would it not do 
To say to them just “Howdy do?” 

All : 

Oh, yes! yes! yes! 

Fourth Girl: Does “Howdy do” 

Mean just the same as “We welcome you”? 

All : 

Oh, yes! yes! yes! 

Third Girl : I ’m sure it does! 

Second Girl [ clapping hands] : 

It’s just the best that ever was! 


Fourth Girl: 

But are you sure? 

Third Girl: 


I’m sure it ought 


Fourth Girl: 

But is that what we have been taught? 

All [impatiently] : 

Of course it is! 


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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


First Girl: Well, I don’t know! 

What if it shouldn’t quite be so? 

[Looks at each in turn, and each looks frightened .] 

Second Girl [in alarm ] : 

What if they’d all go home in fear, 

Not knowing they’d been welcome here! 

All: 

Oh, dear, dear, dear! What can we do? 

Third Girl : 

We can say both, and then they ’ll know 
We ’re glad they came to cheer us so! 

All [in relief] : 

Oh, yes! yes! yes! 

[Turn to audience as if to begin.] 

Second Girl : But wait awhile 

Till we have practiced bow and smile. 

First Girl [while all turn back again eagerly]: 

Yes, you tell me—and I ’ll tell you, 

‘‘Oh, howdy, howdy, howdy do!” 

[Girls divide in two parts—half on right, half on left, 
and each side in turn salutes the other.] 

All [right] : 

Oh, howdy, howdy, howdy do! 

All [left] : 

Oh, howdy, howdy, howdy do! 

[All break up and turn to audience as if to begin 
again when First Girl stops them.] 

First Girl: 

We’d better try the other, too! 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 11 

All f surprised ]: 

What? 

First Girl: 

“We welcome, welcome, welcome you!” 

All [perplexed] : 

How? 

First Girl : 

Why, you tell me, and I ’ll tell you, 

“We welcome, welcome, welcome you!” 

[They divide again as before.] 

All [right] : 

We welcome, welcome, welcome you! 

All [left] : 

We welcome, welcome, welcome you! 

[All hold positions and look at First Girl question- 
ingly.] 

Third Girl: 

Don’t you think we know it pretty well? 

Fourth Girl: 

Now, can’t we let these people tell? 

First Girl [after thinking gravely t and looking at each in 
turn] : 

I guess they ’ll see they ’re welcome now! 

[All break up.] 

But don’t forget your smile and bow! 

[Shakes finger warningly.] 

All [in line at front] : 

Oh, howdy, howdy, howdy do! 

We welcome, welcome, welcome you! 


curtain 


GOOD NIGHT 


CLOSING SKETCH BY TEN TINY GIRLS IN NIGHTGOWNS 

First Child*. 

They thought we were so little, 

They’d put us all to bed! 

Second Child: 

A nap was best for baby girls— 

Third Child [nodding] : 

That’s what our mammas said! 

Fourth Child: 

Of course we had our candy first! 

All [smacking lips] : 

Just lots! 

Fifth Child : And it was good! 

Sixth Child: 

And we felt very thankful, too, 

As little girlies should! 

Seventh Child: 

But when the big girls all stayed up 
And had so much to say, 

We thought— 

[Pauses, hesitating, looks to others for help.] 

Eighth Child [trying to help out] : 

We thought— 

[Pauses, looks to others.] 

We really thought 

That we might, too, to-day! 

12 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


13 


Tenth Child: 

We did not need a nap at all— 

Ninth Child : 

We were not sleepy! 

All [emphatically] : No! 

Eighth Child : 

And we did want to see you all 
Before you had to go! 

Seventh Child: 

But all have made their speeches 
And sung their little song— 

Sixth Child: 

There doesn’t seem much left for us! 

Fifth Child [sadly—shaking head ] : 

I guess we don’t belong! 

Fourth Child: 

Let’s run right back to bed, then! 
Third Child: 

I’m sure that would be right! 
Second Child : 

We ’ll bid our good, kind friends, then, 
Our very best— 

All [bowing low] : Good night! 

[Run off proudly.] 


THE DOLL SHOW 


PLAYLET FOR SEVEN GIRLS AND THREE BOYS 

Characters : 

George, Frank, and Harry, the Judges. 

Maud, May, Clara, Grace, Mabel, Nora, Peggy, Girls 
with Dolls. 

George [comes on alone ]: 

We ’re going to have a dolly show, 

And put the dolls all in a row; 

I am a judge to choose what’s best 
And prettier than all the rest. 

There are two judges to come yet; 

But they ’ll not come too soon, you bet! 

I ’ll fix the chairs, I guess. You see 

[Fixes chairs in row, facing audience.] 
How all the hard work falls on me! 

There, now we ’re ready! Here’s one now! 

Maud [entering left, with doll] : 

I brought my doll to make her bow. 

George: 

That’s good. Just put her—anywhere. 

First come, first served. 

[She puts doll in first chair left; he points right.] 
Now run off there, 

Until they all are placed; then I 
Will call you back. 

Maud : All right. Good bye! 

[Exits right.] 


14 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


15 


May [enters left] : 

Good morning! Here’s my doll, you know, 

I brought her with me to the show. 

George : 

Well, put her down, and run along! 

[She places doll on chair next to first and runs off 
right.] 

Clara [calls off left] : 

Judge! Oh, Judge! 

George: Well, well, what’s wrong? 

Clara [enters left, crying, with broken doll] : 

I fell and broke my dolly’s head; 

I’m awfully afraid she’s dead! 

George: 

Oh, never mind. Put her somewhere! 

They may not notice. 

Clara: In this chair? 

George: 

Yes, any place! 

Clara [placing doll, and crying ]: 

Oh, dear! Oh, dear! 

My pretty doll is dead, I fear! 

George : 

Well, never mind. Run on! Don’t cry! 

We can’t have all this noise. 

Clara [wiping eyes with apron, goes off to right ]: 

Good-bye! 

Grace [enters left] : 

Hello! jny new French doll is here! 

I know she ’ll take the prize. 


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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


George [while Grace places doll, scratches head perplexedly ]: 

Oh, dear! 

With so many to be satisfied, 

How can we judges ever decide? 

Grace: 

You must decide, sir. Do your best. 

I know mine ’s prettier than the rest. 

[Grace exits left as Mabel and Nora enter right.] 

Mabel [with black doll] : 

Here is my Topsy for the show. 

She ’ll be real good to-day, I know; 

Don’t scold her, please. [Places doll.] 

Nora [with sailor boy doll] : 

And here’s my boy. 

To win the prize would give me joy. 

But look at all these beauties here! 

My sailor has no chance, I fear. 

[Stands looking at dolls a moment, admiringly.] 

Mabel [pulling Nora] : 

Come on, we must go out. 

Nora: All right. 

But aren’t they beautiful? [To George] : 

Good night. 

[Th&y leave at right, as Peggy enters left, with rag 
doll. Doll should wear ragged dress—very ragged, 
with no hat, and be barefoot.] 

George: 

Well, there’s just room for one more doll. 

What have you there ? 

Peggy: Judge, this is Poll— 

Don’t laugh at her! I only had 
This poor rag doll. She does look bad, 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


17 


But she has been my only pet 
So long, I never can forget 
How much I love her! Oh, I know 
She ought not to be in the show, 

But I’ve no other. Can’t she stay? 

George: 

Of course she can! Now run away! 

[She runs off left, as Frank and Harry enter right.] 

Frank: 

Hello! the dolls all in their place ? 

Harry : 

Well, if they ain’t! [ Picks up French doll.] 

This looks like Grace— 

I ’ll bet it’s hers! 

Frank : My, what a lot! [Picks up rag doll.] 

And look at this poor ragged tot! 

Who had the nerve to bring that fright? 

George: 

Oh, let her stay—she looks all right. 

The poor girl had no other, and— [Hesitates.] 

She had to show—you understand,— [They nod.] 

But say, you judges, grave and wise, 

Which is the doll to have the prize? 

Harry : 

This French, of course! 

Frank [puts rag doll hack in place, and takes up black one] *. 

No—no—Topsy! 

Harry : * 

Nonsense! 

Frank [teasingly] : 

Why not? 


18 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


George [much perplexed] : 

Oh, gee! Oh, gee! 

How can we this great thing decide, 

So that they ’ll all be satisfied ? 

[All think seriously a moment; then Frank looks up .] 

Frank: 

I ’ll tell you, boys! 

Harry : Well—what ? 

George *. Come, Wise! 


Frank : 

Let’s give them each some little prize. 


George [slaps him on shoulder] : 

Hurrah for you! The very thing! 


Frank : 

But what shall it be? 


Harry: I thought to bring 

These candy hearts! 

George: Oh, they will do! 

. Frank : 

Sure thing! and make them “sweeter,” too! 
Let’s call them in! 

George [calls of from right entrance]: 

Come, ladies, now, 

And to our wisdom humbly bo^v! 

Harry [calls of from left] : 

It’s settled. Come! 


[Girls come in eagerly from right and left. Each 
taking up her position behind the chair holding 
her doll.] 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


10 


Grace: And which has won? 

Frank [with superior air] : 

Oh, you ’ll find out before we ’ve done! 

George [picking up firsf ]: 

This doll is very fair and sweet, 

And beautiful from head to feet; 

Because of her most lovely eyes 
I give to her this special prize. 

[Hands both doll and candy heart to Maud with low 
bow.] 

Maud: 

My dolly—Oh, my little dear! 

Frank [sternly ]: 

Be quiet! No hysterics here! [Picks up second doll.] 
This doll is so “ divinely tall, ’ ’ 

This prize is hers for good and all. 

May : 

My dolly, too! My dolly, too! 

Frank : 

Oh, does this doll belong to you? 

[Hands doll to her with very low bow.] 
Harry [picks up broken doll] : 

This doll is broken. Heaven hath sent 
To her some painful accident; 

Yet nobly hath she borne her pain, 

Nor shed one little tear in vain 
Through all the trying hour. So still 
She sat beside her friends, until 
I lifted her, we not once guessed 
How bitterly she was distressed. 

Brave little spirit, we can see 
How beautiful you used to be— 


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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Your suffering shall not be’ in vain, 

For you the glorious gift shall gain. 

This prize is yours. 

[Hands doll and heart to Clara, bowing.] 

Clara: 0 Judge, how nice! 

I never hoped to win a prize. 

George [taking French doll, holding very carefidly, as if 
afraid to touch] : 

This French lady, so fine and grand, 

No boy dare try to understand; 

She’s meant for dainty hands to hold, 

Whose fair white fingers, ringed with gold, 

Are worthy of her sweetness. Eyes 
Of Paris blue, behold thy prize! 

[Hands doll and heart to Grace, with low bow.] 

Grace: 

I knew she’d get it! 

George: Did you, though? 

That’s more than we ourselves could know. 

Frank [takes Topsy] : 

This doll has such a fine black skin, 

I’m really glad you let her in. 

Her curly hair, so black and— [ Hesitates .] 

Harry [prompting] : Woolly! 

Frank [bows thanks]: 

Have won my preference—freely—fully; 

And then, she’s been so good, those eyes, 

That threatened mischief, just told lies, 

And so, for good behavior, she 
Must take this special prize from me. 

[Bows low and hands Topsy, with candy heart, to 
Mabel.] 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


21 


Mabel : v 

My Topsy! Bless your old black face! 

I knew that, you could hold your place. 

Harry [takes sailor boy] : 

This sailor is a handsome toy, 

And as he is the only boy, 

And looks, like all boys do, so wise, 

We’ve kept for him this special prize! 

[Hands doll and candy heart to Nora.] 

Nora : 

Come to your mother, sailor boy! 

You Ve filled her heart with pride and joy. 

Frank [with rag doll]: 

And now, here comes the very last— 

A doll that never must be passed. 

So very clean and neat is she, 

We know how well-loved she must be; 

And yet she seems not proud nor vain, 

Nor, although lonely, does complain. 

She is not noisy, never cries, 

And so has won a special prize. 

[Hands doll and candy heart to Peggy, with same low 
bow as to others.] 

Peggy [cries ]: 

My poor old Poll! My poor old Poll! 

I never thought they’d see my doll! 

Nora : 

Pooh! and why not? She takes the lead! 

Mabel : 

I’m sure she’s very sweet, indeed! 

Grace [in surprise] : 

Sweet? Do you really think she’s sweet? 


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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Maud : 

Well, she has something now to eat 
That ought to make her sweet—she’s won 
A prize as well as ours have done. 

George: 

To order, ladies! [They hush instantly.] 

Are your pride 
And love forever satisfied ? 

If so, you’d better carry all 
Your children from this chilly hall. 

Good day! 

Girls [all lowing as they go left, hugging dolls closely ]: 
Good day! 

George [taking am, cvrm of each boy]: 

Now, boys, I ’ll treat. 

It’s time we had a bite to eat. 

Harry : 

Peanuts for mine! 

Frank: Well, popcorn here! 

And lemonade! 

George [shakes head humorously , leading them off right] 
Oh, dear! Oh, dear! 


SELLING THE BABY 

DIALOGUE FOR A LITTLE BOY AND A LITTLE GI]EtL 

Both children are dressed in very ragged clothes. Let their 
toes he out of their shoes; the girl bareheaded, and the 
hoy wearing a hat minus a crown. They come on from 
right, hand in hand, stop in center of stage and face 
audience. 

Boy: 

Wouldn’t you like to buy a baby? 

If you please, we’ve one to sell; 

Just the very prettiest baby 
Ever was—now, ain’t she, Nell? 

Girl : 

Yes, she is; we’d never sell her, 

But we are so poor, you see, 

Mamma cannot get the money 
To buy food for all us three; 

We would rather keep the baby, 

But she’s all we’ve got that’s nice; 

No one’d buy us, would they, Jimmie? 

Boy : 

Should say not—at any price! 

We ’re just dirty, no- ’count children, 

But the baby!—Gee, she’s sweet! 

Never gets her dresses dirty, 

But is always nice and neat; 

Always smiles—even when we ’re crying! 

Somehow, she can’t ever tell 
When we ’re—well, not very happy, 

Or contented—can she, Nell? 

[Nell shakes head sadly, hut can’t 
speak for a minute.] 

23 


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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Girl [looking all over the audience] : 

Don’t somebody want to buy her? 

[Pauses a moment for reply, then speaks 
coaxingly] : 

We would sell her awful cheap! 

And she’s just the sort of baby 
You would always want to keep! 

Boy: 

Don’t you see, if some one’d buy her, 
Mamma need n’t work quite so ! 

Why, we ’re often awful hungry— 

And that’s terrible, you know! 

Girl : 

Oh, please, sir, we just must sell her, 

Even if She is so sweet, [Half cries.] 
Then we ’ll know, when we are hungry, 
That she has enough to eat! 

Boy : 

Papa only died last winter, 

And it’s, oh, so hard to live! 

Come—we ’ll sell our blessed baby 
For whatever you will give! 

[After pause, very sadly] : 

No one wants her? Come on, Nellie. 

We may have to try, and try; 

Let us go around the corner; 

We ’ll find someone by-and-by! 

[ Exeunt, left, hand in hand.] 


BOB’S THANKSGIVING PARTY 


DIALOGUE FOR FOUR BOYS 

Ralph: Well, here we are, back at school again! Hope 
everybody had as good a Thanksgiving as I did. 

Ned NK } t Aether] : I did! 

Ralph : How about you, Bob ? Did n’t you ? 

Bob : Y-e-s! 

Frank: You don’t make it very strong. 

Bob: Well, you see, I can’t. I had a glorious time on 
Thanksgiving Day, of course, but— [Drops head in 
hands gloomily .] 

Ned: Well? Tell it! 

Bob: I had a party that evening, and— 

Frank : That was nice, I ’m sure ! 

Bob: Not so nice as you might think! 

All : Why ? 

Bob: Well, I ’ll tell you! First, comes a turkey gobbler, as 
angry as you can possibly imagine, strutting right into 
my very room, and— 

Ralph: Well? 

Bob : Accusing me of—Oh, it’s awful! 

All: Of what? 

Bob : Of eating up his brother! 

All [disbelieving] : Pshaw! 

Ned; That’s a big one! 

Frank: A whopper! 

Ralph : Try another! 

Bob: Oh, it’s all right for you to say “Pshaw!” and think 
I’m stretching it, and all that; but it’s all perfectly 
true, just as I’m telling you. [Boys exchange glances 
of wonder, Bob acts gloomy .] 

25 





26 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Ralph: Well, go on. 

Bob: Then came a couple of monster potatoes, staring out 
of a hundred eyes—it seemed to me—and such angry 
stares! They accused me of playing the hog with their 
children and eating up their whole family! 

All [in horror] : Oh! 

Bob: You may well say “Oh.” That’s what I said, only 
worse. 

Frank : What next ? 

Bob : A huge cabbage fired itself at me for eating the heads 
of its sons. I had eaten a lot of salad—mother makes it 
so good—but I did n’t think— 

Ned: Go on! 

Bob : Then, the most terrible thing! A couple of oysters 
came in, crying, and their tears made soup for them to 
swim in. They were broken-hearted because I had swal¬ 
lowed all their brothers and sisters. 

Frank: How could you? 

Bob : Goodness knows! I was dreadful hungry; but not— 

Ralph : Well, were there more? 

Bob: I should say so. The half of an enormous yellow 
pumpkin came in to show me how it had been made to 
suffer—cut deliberately in two—just to let me have two 
—or three—pieces of pie! 

All [horrified] : Three! 

Bob: Well, maybe. I can’t be sure. 

Ned : What next ? 

Bob : A whole lot of onions came in crying, and they made 
me cry, too, the moment I saw them. In fact, I cried 
every minute they were in the room. 

Frank : Onions would make anybody cry. 

Bob [sadly] : But they said I had eaten up their father and 
mother. 

All : Mercy ! 



FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


27 


Bob : Then came a stalk of corn—he said he was stone deaf 
because I had eaten up all his ears! 

Ned : Poor thing! 

Bob : Then one poor dilapidated cabbage rolled in and said 
I had eaten its heart. I had taken a piece of raw cabbage 
from the kitchen table before dinner, but—Oh, dear! I 
didn’t know— 

Ned: What was next? 

Bob: Oh, it was terrible. Cranberries, hundreds of them, 
their juice running like blood, saying I had crushed them 
to death; and then turnips and beets and— 

Ralph [amazed] -. But surely you had n t eaten all that! 

Ned: You couldn’t, possibly! 

Bob [ashamed] ?■ I’m afraid I did, boys. Everything tasted- 
so good, and I guess I did make a regular little pig of 
myself. 

Ned*. But you aren’t trying to make us believe that all these 
things really came to you? This is no fairyland. 

Bob : But they did,—honest Injun, boys, cross my heart, and 
hope to die! And that is n’t the worst of it! Ugh! 

Frank : Let’s have it, then. 

Bob- They said that because I had eaten up so many ot 
their friends and crippled the rest, they had come to eat 
me up. 

All : Oh, gee! 

Bob: And they rushed at me, the turkey gobbling and flap¬ 
ping his big wings, till I screamed and— 

All [eagerly] : What? 

Bob [calmly] : Mother came in and woke me up. 

Frank [disgusted] -. Then it was just a dream! 

Ned [same] : It never really happened! 

Ralph [same] : I thought it could n t! 

Bob- But I can tell you, boys, it seemed real enough to me 

[Bell rings.] 

All [hurrying off] : The bell l 


THE LITTLE GOSSIPS 


PANTOMIME-PLAY FOR TWO TINY GIRLS 

Characters: “Mrs. Drake” and “Mrs. Bailey” 

May be dressed as grown-ups or in everyday costume as 

preferred. 

Mrs. Drake [alone ]: 

I’ve just got my work done this morning; 

I’ve hurried as fast as can be; 

I wonder if any one’s coming! [Knock at door.] 

There’s someone, now. Who can it be ? 

[Goes to door. Mrs. Bailey enters with doll.] 
Why, how do you do, Mrs. Bailey? 

Mrs. Bailey: 

Why, how do you do, Mrs. Drake ? 

Mrs. Drake: 

How are you, and how is your baby? 

[Bends to examine doll.] 

Mrs. Bailey [draws doll away] : 

’Sh! I don’t think she’s awake! 

Mrs. Drake: 

Do come and sit down. [They sit.] 

Ain’t this lovely? 

Mrs. BaileV: 

Oh, yes, it’s a beautiful day! 

And yet, I am feeling quite tired, 

Remember, I walked all the way! 

Mrs. Drake: 

So sorry! But, say, Mrs. Bailey, 

Have you heard any news? 

28 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


29 


Mrs. Bailey*. I? — Oh, well, 

There is some I heard just this morning, 

But it’s nothing I’d just like to tell! 

Mrs. Drake*. 

Why not? 

Mrs. Bailey : Oh, because it ’s too awful! 

Mrs. Drake: 

About— ? 

Mrs. Bailey: 

Oh, about— [pauses, to think] 

—Jennie Reed. 

I am sure it is perfectly shocking! 

I just can’t believe it! 

Mrs. Drake : Indeed! 

Do tell only me! 

Mrs. Bailey*. Oh, I mustn’t! 

Mrs. Drake: 

Please do; I won’t whisper a word! 

Mrs. Bailey : 

Are you sure? 

Mrs. Drake : Cross my heart, Mrs. Bailey ! 

Mrs. Bailey [yields reluctantly—speaks dubiously] : 

Well, don’t let a soul know you heard— 

[Mrs. Drake shakes head emphatically.] 

It was told me, you know, as a secret, 

And I promised I’d not tell a soul, 

But they say— 

[Whispers in Mrs. Drake’s ear.] 

Mrs. Drake [after a pause, while they whisper, with much 
pantomime]: 

Oh, horrors! how shocking! 



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Mrs. Bailey: 

Now, isn’t it? 

Mrs. Drake: But, on the whole, 

I’ve no doubt there’s some truth in it! 

Mrs. Bailey *. 

Surely. Such things could not start all alone! 

Mrs. Drake: 

Oh, what is this world going to come to? [Sighs deeply.] 
Mrs. Bailey: 

Ah, me! [Shaking head, and rising.] 

Well, I must go on home. 

Mrs. Drake [rising] : 

Don’t hurry! 

Mrs. Bailey : I must. 

Mrs. Drake: Well, come often! 

Mrs. Bailey: 

I will, dear. Good-bye! 

Mrs. Drake: Yes,—Good day! 

[Exit Mrs. Bailey. Mrs. Drake fallows to door. 
Turns hack.] 

Oh, my! that tell-tale Mrs. Bailey! 

She’s always got something to say. 

I b’lieve she makes up half her stories, 

For such things could never be true; 

I think she’s the very worst gossip 
There is in this country—don’t you? 


CROWNING THE NATION’S KING 


Washington’s birthday exercise, for five small girls 

AND FIVE SMALL BOYS 

A large picture of Washington stands on easel at bach of 
stage, or is suspended there in easy reach of children. 
The picture should be surrounded by a pasteboard frame. 
Girls wear white dresses; boys black suits. All wear 
small flags, and each carries a laurel leaf cut from green 
pasteboard, on which is a white letter—the ten letters 
spelling the name “WASHINGTON.” The first chorus 
is sung behind the scenes, only one character entering 
at a time. 


“the nation’s king” 

Tune: “Wonderful Words of Life ” 

With leaves of laurel we bring to-day 
Memories of Washington! 

Glad indeed have we come to say 
Memories of Washington! 

We would tell the story 
Of his deathless glory— 

Memories so sweet, memories so dear, 
Memories of Washington. 

Kingly of heart and of soul was he— 
Honor to Washington! 

Noble and true as a king should be— 
Honors to Washington! 

Grass now grows above him, 

Yet his people love him— 

Singing so sweet, singing so dear, 
Praises to Washington. 

31 



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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


“First in war”—he was brave and sure— 

General Washington! 

“First in peace”—he was true and pure— 
President Washington! 

First in our hearts forever, 

We will forget him never— 

Singing so sweet, singing so dear. 

Memories of Washington. 

First Girl [enters from left] : 

I bring a leaf to tell to you 
A tale of Seventeen Thirty-Two, 

When, February, cold and gray, 

Became—its twenty-second day— 

The birthday of the bravest man 
Whose name through hist’ry ever ran. 

I place this leaf here, glad to bring 
Some laurel, thus to crown him king! 

[She pins leaf “W” in place on pasteboard 
frame and stands at right of picture.] 

First Boy [enters from right] : 

I bring a leaf of laurel new 
To tell something about him, too, 

We like to think of Washington 
As noble boy and loving son; 

We like to read of him at play, 

So true in all he had to say; 

And like to tell again how he 
Owned up about that cherry tree! 

[Places leaf “A” in place and stands at 
left of picture.] 

Second Girl [enters from left] : 

I bring a leaf, too, to relate 

Some tale that helped to make him great; 

I tell of many a victory won 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


33 


On battlefield by Washington. 

Our deepest love is ever for 
^ That soldier who was “first in war”; 

And all our hearts beat loud and fast 
To think of all through which he passed. 
[Places leaf “S” in position and stands 
beside first girl.] 

Second Boy [enters from, right ] : 

I bring a leaf of laurel fair 
That tells how o’er the Delaware 
Our gallant hero, without loss, 

Carried his brave troops across. 

Whenever some important trust 
Was to be given, they knew they must 
Put it into the faithful hands 
Whose worth the whole world understands. 
[Places leaf “H” in position and stands 
beside first boy.] 

Third Girl [enters from left] : 

My leaf tells of those bloody days 
When well he earned the nation’s praise, 

And led his soldiers on to see 
The blessed light of liberty. 

With them he rode and faced the foe; 

With them he braved the winter’s snow; 

With them he battled long and well, 

As history’s pages proudly tell. 

[Places leaf “I” in position and stands 
beside second girl.] 

Third Boy [enters from right] : 

My leaf tells of his noble soul, 

That was so true throughout the whole ; 

He w^s so very good that Fate 




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Was just obliged to make him great! 

Oh, dear! I wish that I might be 
As good and great a man as he; 

But then, I couldn’t, for,—Oh, my! 

You see he never told a lie! 

[.Places leaf “N” in position and stands 
beside second boy.] 

Fourth Girl [enters from left ]: 

My leaf tells of the days that came 
When President became his name; 

When all the people gladly bowed 
To him—the noblest in the crowd; 

And he who made the battles cease, 

Was made forever “First in peace.” 

When I grow up, I mean to be 
The wife of such a man as he! 

[Places leaf “G” in position and stands 
beside third girl. ] 

Fourth Boy [enters from right]: 

My leaf tells of his lofty mind, 

So-full of thought and yet so kind. 

He was as strong as he was true, 

The “Father of his country,” too! 

There’s not a person on this earth 
Who does not know his deathless worth; 
When I grow up I’m going to be 
Exactly such a man as he! 

[Places leaf “T” in position and stands 
beside third boy.] 

Fifth Girl [enters from left] : 

My leaf tells of the after days, 

. When in Mount Vernon’s shady ways 
He lived in all the quiet rest 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


35 


He long had sought and thought it best. 

’Twas then, when all his work was done, 

The people honored Washington, 

And named him ever “First within 
The hearts of all his countrymen.” 

[Places leaf “O” in position and'stands 
beside fourth girl.] 

Fifth Boy [enters from right] : 

I bring the last leaf, green and sweet, 

To make the laurel crown complete; 

I tell the tale of his last breath, 

The hero’s calm and peaceful death. 

The whole world seemed wrapped up in gloom 
When he was carried to the tomb, 

And in his memory still there swells 
The music of “Mount Vernon Bells.” 

[Places leaf “N” in position and stands 
beside fourth boy.] 

Music starts up again. First boy and girl lead off, and all 
march in pairs to front of stage. There they separate 
and, turning to right and left, march to back and sur¬ 
round the picture. They sing, with heads bowed rever¬ 
ently. First, however , the best speaker of them all should 
raise hamd, enjoining silence, at which all pause and stand 
at attention while the lines are spoken: 

Speaker: 

He would not be a king, he said, 

Then dare we place upon his head 
The nation’s crown? 

Voices [one at a time] : Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! 
Speaker: 

Then lightly must the laurels press 
Upon that brow, so smooth and white, 



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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 

It held no thoughts not just and right, 

And we the outward sign but bring, 

For God already stamped him king! 

Chorus [sung softly]: 

Grand and noble the nation’s son— 

Crowned as the nation’s king! 

Praise and honor to Washington— 

Crowned as the nation’s king! 

May his deathless glory, 

Thrill the whole world’s story, 

Crowned as a king, crowned as a king, 
Crowned as the nation’s king! 

[All give the picture the military salute, 
and march off gravely to right and 
left] 


HELLO, BILL! 


SMALL BOY IMPERSONATION 

[Spoken in voice of irritation just before walking to position :] 

I don’t want to speak that horrid old piece, I tell you! 
Oh, yes, I s’pose I’ve got to speak something or other, but 
that’s so silly for a great big boy like me. And, I tell you, 
I don’t want to! Well, I’m going to, ain’t I? Let me alone, 
and I ’ll go on! Yes, I will, honest! I ’ll begin just as soon 
as I can remember how the horrid old thing starts! 

[Walks to position. Sees “Bill” in audience and grins 
broadly.] 

Why, hello, Bill! I didn’t know you was a-coming! 
How did you happen to get the coin, kid? And say, what ’re 
you sitting ’way over there for? Did you know I was 
a-going to speak this old piece? Gee! ’Tain’t no fun! 
How’d you think you’d like it ? 

Well, I s’pose I’d better begin [speaks with affected 
voice] : 

“Once upon a time ”— 

Say, Bill, I just wish you’d come down near the front 
here. I b’lieve I could get away with this thing a whole lot 
better! Oh, come on! You ain’t bashful, are you? I ’ll give 
you six new marbles after I get through here if you will!’ 
Yes, I will, too—honest Injun! Glassies and agates, and— 
Oh, any old thing you say! Gee, kid, have a heart! you 
hadn’t ought to be so ’fraid, so long as I’m the one that’s 
got to speak. It’s me for the big lecture, Bill, so it’s up to 
you to come on down and help an old pal out when you 
get a chance. See ? Come on! It ’ll help me a lot—honest, 
it will! 


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38 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 

Let me see—how far did I get? [Begins again, as 
before ]: 

“Once upon a time , there was a little boy ”— 

Oh, say, Bill, didn’t you notice that I’d forgot to make 
my bow? Gee! Why didn’t you wink at me? Teacher says 
we mustn’t never forget to'make our bow, ’cause it ain’t good 
manners. I tell you, I wouldn’t forget my manners for the 
world! I’ll have to begin all over again, now, I s’pose. 
Well, here goes! [Bows very stiffly and low.] 

“Once ”— 

Oh, Bill—before I forget it—I’ve got something to tell 
you as soon as I get out of this scrape. It s just the best 
thing ever. I’d tell you now, only I don’t want this bunch 
to hear. Get me ? They just listen and laugh and poke fun 
at everything a feller says. And it ain’t my fault I’m here. 
I didn’t want to speak that old piece, that’s a cinch! Well, 
if I don’t hurry up and get a good, fair start I won’t never 
get half way around the track. I ’ll make another stab at it! 

"“Once upon a time there was a little boy ”— 

Goodness, Bill, was it a little boy, or did it happen to be 
a little girl? You’ve heard me rattle off the old chestnut 
before, hain’t you? I declare, I can’t remember whether that 
wonderful kid was a boy or a girl, can you? Pshaw! I 
thought you’d know sure! What are you good for, anyway, 
kid, if you can’t help a feller up when he tumbles down? 
Humph! Well, I don’t know, anyway, as it matters so dread¬ 
ful much! I ’ll just go on and call it a kid. How ’ll that do? 
And, say, Bill, how far had I got? Maybe I’d better start 
in again, so as to be sure and get headed in right, 

“Once upon a time there was a little kid—and he — no, 
she — no, it—” 

Oh, botheration! What do I want to say anyway. Bill ? 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


39 


I’m blessed if I know a single, solitary way to crawl out of 
this hole! [Scratches his head a moment in perplexity.] 

I just guess I 11 cut it out and not try to speak at all. I 
don’t believe any of this bunch want to hear me, anyway—do 
you, Bill ? the way they sit and make fun of me all the time ? 
I’ve got feelings, if I don’t always show it. Well, I have— 
honest! And you don’t want to hear me speak, now do you? 
Own up, like you’d ought to! 

I ’ll just take a hike for the back seat, and hear what the 
rest of the bunch has got to say. It’s a lot more fun doing 
that, ain’t it? 

So long, Bill! Move over, I’m coming! 





SCHOOLROOM FAIRIES 


DIALOGUE FOR FOUR SMALL GIRLS AND ONE LARGE ONE 

Scene: Schoolroom in confusion; chairs overturned, hooks 
scattered everywhere, everything out of place. Large 
clock, with loud tick, mi wall. 

Enter Bess, Nellie, and Grace. They throw down their hooks 
and sit down. 

Bess: Dear me! What a disorderly room! 

Grace: Won’t Miss Morton have a time straightening up? 

Nellie : I should say she would! Glad it is n’t me. 

Bess : She was too tired after the entertainment was over, 1 
suppose. 

Grace : Of course! But did n’t she give us a good time last 
night ? 

Enter Fanny. Stands, looks around, then sits without 
speaking. 

Bess: She surely did! 

Grace: And what a lot of beautiful fairy stories she did 
tell us! 

Nellie Don’t it make you all wish there were real fairies 
living to-day? 

Fanny : Maybe there are. My cousin says there are. 

Nellie: Why, Fanny Ferris, how could there be? 

Fanny: I don’t know how, but she believes in them. She 
believes everything is alive. 

Bess : Everything ? 

Fanny: Yes, chairs, tables, desks, pencils —everything! 

Nellie: Humph! Should think all'these things would get 
busy, then, and put themselves to order! Act like dead 
things to me! 


40 





FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


41 


Fanny : She says they all talk to her; and claims if we keep 
real still, we can all hear them any time. 

Bess : Let’s try! 

All : Let ’s ! 

[All sit very still for a good pause , listening.] 

Bess [with sudden eagerness] : I hear the clock! 

All: So do I. 

Nellie: Anybody can hear that. 

Bess: But listen! It talks. It says: “Keep still! Keep 
still!” [Another silent pause.] 

Fanny [jumping up]: It’s talking to me, too. It says: 
“Clean up! Clean up!” I’m going to mind it, too. 
[Begins to straighten things.] 

Nellie [jumping up] : I declare, it said to me, right out 
loud: “Go help! Go help!’’ [Begins to help Fanny.] 
Grace [jumping up] : And, dear me, it said to me: “You, 
too! You, too!” 

Bess [lazily] : I’m glad it didn’t say anything like that to 
me. I have enough of that to do at home. 

Grace [suddenly looks at clock] i Girls, did you hear that? 

It said: 4 ‘ Keep on ! Keep on ! ” 

Nellie : I thought it said: ‘ ‘ That’s good! That’s good! ’ ’ 
Fanny : How funny! I thought it said: ‘ ‘ Good girls! 

Good girls!” [Busy pause.] 

Bess [jumps up and shakes fist at clock] : Horrid thing! 
What do you think the mean old thing suddenly said to 
me? . [All stare at clock.] 

All : What ? 

Bess : It said : ‘ ‘ Don’t shirk ! Don’t shirk! ” So, of course, 
I ’ll have to help. [Gets busy.] 

Fanny: It says: “Be quick! Be quick!” We’d better 
hurry. 

Grace: Yes, it warned me to “Move fast! Move fast!” 
quite a bit ago. 



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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Nellie: It says: “She ’ll come! She ’ll come!” Let’s all 

• run and hide. 

Bess: Here she comes now. [All hide.] 

Enter Miss Morton. 

Miss Morton : Oh, what a lovely surprise! I was just dread¬ 
ing having to tidy this room before school-time; and 
now some fairies have been here and— 

Girls [running out and surrounding her]: Miss Morton! 
Miss Morton! 

Miss Morton : I knew these were the busy little fairies who 
did the magic work. And I am so glad. 

Fanny*. But, Miss Morton, we were not the fairies. 

Miss Morton: Not you? [All shake heads.] Then who? 

Nellie: It was the clock. 

Miss Morton [staring at clock] : The clock? 

Fanny: Yes; it said “Clean up! Clean up!” just as plain 
as plain could be. We had to mind it, didn’t we? 

Miss Morton: I see. Well, well! I guess it was the living 
clocks down in the little bodies that beat time faster 
than any other clock that said the magic words. Anyhow, 
I am very thankful, both for the fairy in the clock and 
the fairy in the heart of each of my girls. Now, we will 
have time to look over all the new books. 

All *. Good! Good! 


THE SEWING SOCIETY 


PANTOMIME FOR EIGHT LITTLE GIRLS 

Scene: Each of the seven visiting girls carries a handbag. 
The hostess has her work lying on a little sewing table 
in front of her. Seven kindergarten chairs are arranged 
in semi-circle at back of stage. At right is the hostess’ 
sewing table, with her chair behind it, facing the others. 

As the curtain rises, hostess is discovered standing behind 
table. She recites the poem below, which is pantomimed 
according to directions: 

My house is in order, 

As neat as can be; 

The Sewing Society 
Meets here with me. 

They come in together, (1) 

Shake hands, and bow low (2) 

To greet me, politely, 

Then sit in a row. (3) 

They then take their sewing, (4) 

Their needles, (5) their thread; (6) 

And, putting on thimbles, (7) 

They bow low their head. (8) 

Someone tells a story; (9) 

They lay their work by; (10) 

And listen with eagerness— 

“Did she?” (11) 4 ‘Oh, my!” (12) 



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“I’d never have thought it!” (13) 
“How shocking, indeed!” (14) 
Then, whispering together, 

They take little heed! (15) 

Now comes a new comer, (16) 

The slandered one, too! (17) 

They spring up to greet her, (18) 
With “How do you do?” (19) 

“So glad, dear, to see you! 

Was missing you so! 

Do sit down and tell us (20) 

Just all that you know!” 

Then all begin sewing (21) 

As though they had had 
Through all of that meeting 
No thoughts that were bad. 

“My needle’s unthreaded— (22) 
Oh, dear, and oh, dear! 

I never can thread it—- 

It must be dark here!” (23*) 

“Perhaps I can help you”— (24) 
They all want to try, 

But the thread will not go in 
The needle’s small eye. 

II How very annoying!— 

Why will things do so! (25) 

“So sorry to give you 

Such trouble, you know!” (26) 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


45 


“Don’t mention it, dear— 

It’s no trouble at all!” (27) 

But the needle and thread 
Into league will not fall. (28) 

Thank goodness, time’s up now! (29) * 

They lay work away; (30) 

They bow and they leave me (31) 

Till some other day! 

DIRECTIONS FOR PANTOMIMING 

(1) Girls enter single file. Hostess advances to meet them. 

(2) Shaking hands with each as they bow low. 

(3) They take chairs—three on each side—leaving the one in 
the center vacant. Hostess returns to position, and sits down. 
Follows the motions. 

(4) All take sewing out of bags. 

(5) Take needles from waists. 

(6) Take thread from bags. 

(7) Put on thimbles. 

(8) Bend over work and sew. 

(9) One of the girls who is seated next to the vacant chair 
lays aside her work and appears to talk. All look up in sudden 
interest and smile. 

(10) All drop work and lean toward her, listening eagerly. 

(11) All look at her in great Surprise, opening eyes wide. 

(12) Turn away from her and look at one another in gesture 
of despair, both hands raised. 

(13) Shake heads at one another. 

(14) Clench right fist, and bring it down on open palm of left 
hand with loud clap. 

(15) Begin whispering together, two and two. 

(16) Seventh girl enters. All look toward her in swift surprise. 

(17) Hostess smiles at crowd significantly, and then advances 
to meet newcomer, shaking hands with her. 




46 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


(18) Girls all spring up from chairs. 

(19) Each in turn greets newcomer rapidly, the two who sit 
nearest the vacant chair being the last to greet her. 

(20) These two—one on each side of her—pull her backward 
into center chair. 

(21) All go to sewing again, and continue throughout stanza. 
They should seem a little guilty and work rapidly, as if to escape 

>her notice. 

(22) Girl on end holds up empty needle. All stop and look at 
her. In the next line she makes desperate efforts to re-thread it. 
All watch her with interest, bending over to see her better. In 
the third line she gives up in despair, dropping hands in lap with 
expressive gesture. 

(23) All look around at windows and doors, or up at electric 
lights. 

(24) The one in middle chair rises and goes to her, helpfully. 

She tries to thread the needle, and all crowd around, offering 

assistance—first one and then another failing to thread it. 

(25) All look at one another in annoyance, then sit down in 
attitude of despair, the one nearest the girl with the unthreaded 
needle still trying, hard to thread it. 

(26) Girl of the needle holds out hand in gesture of apology. 

(27) Girl who is trying to thread it for her smiles sweetly 

and shakes her head. 

(28) Tries harder than ever to please her friend, while the 
others bend far over and watch result eagerly. 

(29) Hostess points to clock. All smile as if relieved and 
point to it, looking at one another. 

(30) Put sewing back in bags, and all rise—hostess following 
suit. 

(31) Bow to hostess and walk off in groups, talking together. 


LITTLE MEN 


A DRILL FOR ANY NUMBER OF BOYS 

Boys march in, with drums, beating time, and arrange them¬ 
selves in three rows, Captain walking in front and calling 
the figures. 

First Figure [“Dude”] : 

All advance with short, mincing steps to front, strutting 
jauntily and swinging canes, tossing heads, etc. At 
front, pause, removing hats and bowing low, holding 
hats to hearts with exaggerated show of obeisance. 
Replace hats, turn, march in two lines up sides of 
stage, with same movements as they marched for¬ 
ward. Take old position at back of stage. 

Second Figure [*‘ Capitalist”]: 

Straightens up very erect, thumbs in armholes of vests, 
canes in right hands, straight against bodies. Walk 
slowly and haughtily to front, tip hats very slightly, 
turn, march up sides with same movement, and take 
positions at back. 

Third Figure [“Student”]: 

Place canes behind backs, carrying in crook of elbows, 
hands being held stiffly out in front, pause, and look 
up absent-mindedly, nod slightly without touching 
hats; turn, march up sides to back, as before. 

Fourth Figure [“Soldier”]: 

Hold cane as gun, in carrying position, walk very erect, 
with military precision, keeping perfect step and time 
to military music. At front, pause, raise guns to shoul¬ 
ders, in shooting position; hold for tap of captain s 
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48 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 

foot, drop guns first to carrying position, then to 
ground, with barrels up by sides; give military 
salute, and return up sides to back, with guns in 
carrying position. 

Fifth Figure [‘ ‘ Business Man ’ ’]: 

Carry canes loosely in left hands, watches in right. Walk 
quickly to front, pause, look up hastily, give quick 
glance at watches, look surprised at the lateness of 
the hour, lift hats hurriedly, and hasten up sides to 
back. 

Sixth Figure [“Funeral March”]: 

Carry hats in hands, heads bowed reverently, walk with 
measured tread. At front, recognize audience with 
slightest possible inclination of head, return with 
measured tread up sides to back. 

Seventh Figure [“College Man”]: 

Replace hats, throw arms up around one another’s shoul¬ 
ders, swinging walking dance to front. Pause, 
remove hats, and wave them at audience, bowing. 

Captain : 

We hope you are pleased, as you ought to be, 

For these are the men you are, you see, 

And these are the men we are going to be 
When we’ve grown a little more. 

All: You will see! 

Captain : 

Now strike up your music and make a noise, 

Or they may forget we are only boys! 

[They heat drums loudly. March off.] 


THE WOMEN OF TO-MORROW 

* 

A DRESS-UP DIALOGUE FOR FIFTEEN SMALL GIRLS 

Each child is dressed up in a way befitting the character 
which she is supposed to represent .' 

All [in unison ] : 

Who are we ? Why, don’t you know us ? 

Oh, good friends, do spare our sorrow; 

Teacher brought us here to show us— 

We ’re the women of to-morrow. 

We can’t sing you songs to thrill you; 

We can’t play, nor dance a jig; 

But we thought we’d come and tell you 
What we ’ll be when we get big! 

♦ 

First Girl : 

I would like to be a lady 
With a gown that has a trail; 

To say, ‘.‘How are you, Mrs. Brady?” 

Calling in my hat and veil. 

Second Girl: 

I would like to be a teacher 
With a pencil and a book; 

With eye-glasses—what a creature— 

Wise and sober, I would look! 

Third Girl [with doll] : 

There is one place and another 
Where the other girls may shine; 

But I want to be a mother [hugging dolly] 

Just as sweet and dear as mine! 

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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Fourth Girl: 

I would like to be an author 
And write books for folks to read, 

While my friends tell one another, 

“She is very smart, indeed!” 

Fifth Girl : 

I am going to be a—a—a^—spinster, 

With a parrot and a cat; 

And I T1 entertain the minister— 

What do you all think of that? 

Sixth Girl: 

I shall be a nurse, all dressed up 
In a white apron and cap. 

Come to the hospital and rest up 
When you think you need a nap. 

Seventh Girl: 

I shall be a black-robed Sister, 

And do all the good I know; 

Don’t you think I can be, Mister, 

If I grow and grow and grow? 

Eighth Girl: 

I am going to be—Oh, dear me! 

There’s so much I’d like to be 

That I hardly know. I fear me 
Nothing’s good enough for me; 

For I do not like hospitals, 

And I don’t care for a book; 

I’m more fond of good, rich victuals— 
So I guess I ’ll be a cook! 

Ninth Girl: 

I will do just all I can!—oh, 

I am sure to make my mark, 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


51 


For I 11 play on the piano 

Every day from dawn till dark. 

Tenth Girl: 

Music never seems to charm me 
As it does this girl before; 

But I guess it will not harm me 
If I clerk in some nice store! 

Eleventh Girl: 

I will be a riding lady, 

And go cantering ’round, of course, 

Through the lanes, so green and shady, 

On my most unruly horse. 

Twelfth Girl: 

I shall be a lady doctor, 

Curing all your cries and groans; 

When my friend’s wild horse has thrown her, 
I will set the broken bones. 

Thirteenth Girl: 

I will be a good dressmaker— 

The best there ’s in the town, 

So each woman’s husband will get her 
To have me to make her gown. 

Fourteenth Girl : 

And I will be the milliner 
To make those wives a hat; 

I made this one already, sir— 

Now, what do you think of that? 

Fifteenth Girl: 

There’s nothing left that I can be, 

That’s half-way nice or human; 

And so the only thing for me 
Is just to be a woman! 


52 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


First Girl [stepping in front of line ]: 
Now, this is what we ’ll be some day, 
Unless some one forgets; 

And every single one of us say 
We won’t be— 

All [_loudly and emphatically]: 

Suffragettes! 



* 


THE SNOWFLAKES 


SONG, SPEECH, AND DANCE-DRILL COMBINED. FOR ANY NUMBER 
OF GIRLS AND ONE BOY 

Divide Girls, half and half, on right and left sides of plat¬ 
form. All should he dressed in white. King then steps 
to front. 

King : 

Snowflakes, greet every friend with a smile! 

Girls [all, boiving low to front ] : 

Welcome, friends, one and all! 

King : 

Now greet one another in happy style! 

Girls [bowing across to one another ] : 

Welcome to each, we call! 

King : 

Gaily—sweetly—merrily now— 

[All dance up and down while he speaks.] 

Girls [bowing low to audience ]: 

Welcome again to our friends we bow! 

King: 

Fly, little snowflakes, to place! 

Girls [holding out skirts , advance to center] : 

To place! 

King : 

Greet the frost-king with a happy face! 

[They bow low to him.] 

Who are yon? 

[Looks at each in turn , who bows and spreads skirt.] 

53 



54 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Girls: 


Just little snowflakes! 


King: 


Then pray, 


Tell my friends and myself why you ’re here to-day! 

Four Girls [two from each side, dance back and forth]: 

To smile! 

Another Four [same action] : 

To laugh! 

Another Four [same action]: 

To dance! 

Another Four [same action] : To sing! 

All [turning to front and bowing low] : 

And words of welcome sincere to bring! 

King: 

To dance and sing, did I hear you say? 

[All bow low in reply.] 

Then make ye merry! Away! away! [Waves hand.] 

[All spread skirts and circle around him, chanting in 
monotone.] 


Girls: 


The snowflakes dance in the wintry air, 

When the sky is cold and gray. 

Gay little snowflakes, they don’t care, 

They wouldn’t come out if the sky were fair— 

That is n’t a snowflake’s way! 

Dance, snowflakes, dance, 

For the sky will soon be blue, 

And the sun peep out with a merry glance, 

Dance, little snowflakes! We dance, too! 

[King holds up hand to stop them, and they pause in 
position.] 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


King: 

Where did you come from, snowflakes? 


One. of the Girls : Far 

From the land of men, where the flower-hearts are 
We once were children, you know, and fair. 

Like all good children, lived here and there, 

And did all the good the young can do, 

Till, away from the world, our spirits blew 
And nestled in snowflakes, so light and airy, 

Till each became a Snowflake Fairy! 


Girls [all nodding ] : 

Yes, each became a Snowflake Fairy! 


King [nods musingly ] : 

So each became a Snowflake Fairy! 

And what are the missions to all the world 
For which your delicate wings are unfurled? 


First Girl: 

To scatter sunshine! 


Second Girl: Reflect God’s light! 


Third Girl : 

To make winter lovely! 

Fourth Girl : Dress earth in white! 


Fifth Girl: 

To cheer all hearts over miles and miles! 


Sixth Girl : 

To whisper of comfort! 


Seventh Girl: To spread sweet smiles 

Eighth Girl: 

To breathe out God’s .blessings! 


56 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Ninth Girl [nodding] : Yes, everywhere! 

Tenth Girl*. 

To show mourning hearts that the earth is fair! 
Eleventh Girl : 

To teach thoughtless children why life is given! 
Twelfth Girl: 

To make earth itself just a happy heaven! 
Thirteenth Girl: 

To bring thoughts of hope to each one who strives! 

Fourteenth Girl: 

To bring inspiration into all lives! 

Fifteenth Girl: 

To light up the pathways that must be trod! 
Sixteenth Girl: 

To bring all humanity thoughts of God! 

All [ together — softly ] : 

To bring all humanity thoughts of God! 

First Girl*. 

For we are the thoughts of God, don’t you know, 
Sent back to the world of men below, 

To turn their eyes from the things they see, 

And show them how beautiful heaven must be! 

King : 

Then flit back and forth on your wings of cheer, 

That our friends may be sure they are welcome here! 

All [dance around as before , chanting ] : 

We children dance in the warm, bright room, 

Though the sky is cold and gray,— 

Gay little children, we don’t care, 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


For we shall go out when the sky is fair, 

For that is the children*s way! 

Dance, children, dance, 

For the sky will soon be blue, 

And the sun peep out with merry glance, 
Dance, little snowflakes! We dance, too. 

King [clapping hands ] : 

Good! Good! 


All. [bowing low to him ] : 

Thanks! Thanks! 


King: 

Your kindly pranks 

Are surely worth receiving: 
Our friends will be rejoiced to see 
A welcome past believing! 



All [ questioningly ] : 

A welcome past believing? 

King: 

Yes, surely, past believing! 

About the world you fly and flit 
To greet the world and brighten it, 

For the little ones,— 

All: God bless them! 

King: 

Are so dear to God above 
That he gives them charge to teach the 
Older folks the laws of love! 

So— 

All [bowing to audience ] : 

Be glad, dear friends, we beg you, 
For the happiness you see, 



58 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


And be thankful for the New Year 
That is shortly going to be! - 
We are always very thankful 
For the blessings in our way, 

And we have so very many 
To be thankful for to-day— 

First Girl: 

Thankful for our life— 

Second Girl: Our health, too! 

Third Girl: 

Food to eat— 


Fourth Girl : And clothes to wear! 


Fifth Girl: 

Friends to love— 

Sixth Girl : And friends to love us! 

Seventh Girl: 

Sunshine! 


Eighth Girl: 

Ninth Girl: 

Tenth Girl: 

Eleventh Girl: 
School! 


Raindrops! 

Light! 

And air! 


Twelfth Girl: 

A home to teach life’s lessons! 


Thirteenth Girl: 

Stars, a faithful watch to keep! 

Fourteenth Girl : 

Flowers! 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


Fifteenth Girl: 

Birds and bees! 

Sixteenth Girl: And angels 

To be near us when we sleep! 

King : 

And a God to love and guide us,— 

Oh, be thankful, when you pray, 

For the wondrous load of blessings 
Sure to come with New Year’s Day! 

And before you dance away, 

Haven’t you something more to say? 

All [to audience , bowing low ] : 

Friends, we are so glad you came— 

And we hope that you are, too— 

For we’ve really tried to do 
Just our very best for you! 

King : 

And while you are pleased with our smiles, you know, 
Don’t forget to be pleased with these— 

All [bowing low ] : Flakes of snow! 

[Dance backward, and leave stage with skipping steps.] 



GOOD-BYE, ALL! 


CLOSING SKETCH FOR ENTIRE PRIMARY GRADE, OR FOR AS MANY 
OF THE SMALLEST BOYS AND GIRLS AS DESIRED 

Scene : Schoolroom. 

Boys enter cautiously, wearing pajamas, hair disheveled, 
etc., looking very sleepy and carrying dolls awkwardly. 

All [in hushed tones of caution] : 

Come on! Come on ! 

First Boy: Do hurry, boys! 

Second Boy [fingers on lip] : 

But be careful not to make any noise!* 

Third Boy: 

If those girls find out we are here 
What will they say? 

All [shaking heads] : Oh, dear! Oh, dear! 

Fourth Boy: 

That’s just exactly what they’d say! 

Fifth Boy: 

But they won’t wake up, anyway! 

They ’re sound asleep in their little beds,— 

[All laugh.] 

Sixth Boy: 

With nice soft pillows ’neath their heads!— 

[All laugh.] 

Seventh Boy: 

And think they’ve got their dolls so tight, 

[All clasp dolls close.] 
Within their arms, so warm and white,— 

60 


FOR LITTIjE FOLKS 


61 


Eighth Boy: 

While we just caught them all asleep, 

[All nod sleepily.] 

And, oh, how slyly we did creep, 

[Walk tiptoe three steps softly.] 
And take the poor things from their clasp 

[All look at dolls.] 

Into our fierce and manly grasp— 

[All scowl, look fierce and hold.] 

Ninth Boy: 

And how we hurried, still and sly, 

Afraid they’d all wake up and cry,— 

[All smile significantly.] 

Tenth Boy: 

We couldn’t wait to find our clothes,— 

Eleventh Boy: 

We didn’t stop to think of those! 

Twelfth Boy : 

They ’ll probably think it awful mean, 

But have we no right to be seen? 

All: 

Of course! 

Eleventh Boy: 

Should hope so! Boys is boys! 

Tenth Boy [nudging him] : 

Are! 

Eleventh Boy: 

Are, then! 

Ninth Boy: And can make some noise! 

Eighth Boy: 

So when they all fell fast asleep,— [All nod sleepily.] 



62 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Seventh Boy: 

So tired that they could not keep 
Their blue eyes open any more— 

Sixth Boy [ laughing ] : 

I’m sure I heard my sister snore— [All snore.] 

Fifth Boy: 

We saw our chance had come at last, 

So grabbed their dolls and hurried fast! 

Fourth Boy: 

For if you folks like dolls, we say 
That we can show them as well as they! 

Third Boy: 

And now’s our turn to say good-night! 

Second Boy [in worried whisper] : 

I wonder if we hold them right! 

[All look inquiringly at dolls.] 

First Boy [anxiously] : 

Too tight! [All loosen hold at once.] 

Second Boy [shaking head] : 

Too loose! 

[All tighten grasp, holding dolls up.] 
Third Boy [warningly] : 

Too high! 

[All drop dolls quite low.] 

Fourth Boy [shaking head] : 

Too low! 

[All raise dolls high again.] 

Fifth Boy: 

Is this the way, boys? 

All [shaking heads in troubled way]: 

I don’t know! 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


63 


Sixth Boy [in disgusted tone] : 

I wish we’d left them home in bed! 

Seventh Boy: 

I think the girls dangle them over their head! 

[All throw dolls awkwardly across top of head.] 

Eighth Boy [disgustedly] : 

No—over their shoulders—so! 

[All throw dolls over shoulders.] 

Ninth Boy : Dear me! 

What a big care a mere doll can be! 

Tenth Boy: 

Let’s sing to them! 

All [not in either time or tune—just an attempted lullaby ]: 

Rock-a-bye-baby! 

Eleventh Boy: Oh, dear! 

If we make so much noise the girls surely will hear! 

All [holding dolls to breasts awkwardly] : 

*Sh! >Sh! 

Twelfth Boy: 

Well, it seems to me, boys, we ’ve some right 
On this splendid school program! 

Eleventh Boy : They Ve had such a sight! 

Tenth Boy: 

They just think the folks can’t exist without them! 
Ninth Boy [scornfully] : 

They must whirl, bend, and nod, like a flower on its 
stem! 

Eighth Boy: 

And what about us? 



64 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Seventh Boy: 


Oh, we ’re nothing but boys! 


Sixth Boy: 

We ’re supposed to sit back and not make any noise— 
Fifth Boy: 

Yes, and just stare at them! 


Laugh at all that they do! 


Fourth Boy: 
Third Boy: 


It’s just no fair at all! 
All [looking at one another] : 


I won’t do it!—will you ? 


Second Boy: 

I ’ll just tell you what, boys—we ’ll tell them our side, 
And show them the dollies with fatherly pride— 

All [laugh] : 

Yes—fatherly pride! 

First Boy : Say, that’s just like the jokes 

That all the time seem to be pleasing old folks! 

Second Boy: 

Well, when this erowd finds out how smart boys can be 
They ’ll ask us to make the speech next time, you see! 

All: 

Oh, good! good! good! 

[Jumping up and down they reverse the dolls, holding 
their feet close to their faces in their right arms, 
their heads dangling.] 

Third Boy: Won’t we have the girls beat? 

Fourth Boy: 

And won’t the crowd thank us for such a fine treat! 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


65 


All : 

Oh, good! good! 

[Girls rush in all excitement, half crying.] 
Girls : Our dollies! Our dollies are lost! 

Boys [all—in alarm] : 

The girls ! Oh, let’s hurry ! 

[Bush to corners, trying to hide.] 
Fifth Boy : There 11 sure be a frost! 

Girls [wringing hands and moaning] : 

Our dollies! [Not seeing them.] 

First Girl [discovering dolls] : 

Oh, see them! 

Second Girl [in horror] : Those naughty, bad boys! 


Third Girl [same horror] : 

And just see how they hold them! 


Girls [tones of great love and pity] : Poor dollies! 

■ 

Boys [teasingly, holding dolls out of girls’ reach] : 

Such noise! 


Girls [each trying to reach her doll] : 

Do let’s have them! [Pleadingly.] 


Fourth Girl [giving up attempt, wringing hands, moaning] : 

Our poor dollies! 

Ninth Girl [reaching] : 

Give me Belle! [Boy lets her reach it; she hugs doll.] 

Tenth Girl [same action] : 

Susan! 

Eleventh Girl [same action with each] : 

And May! 

Fifth Girl [recovering doll, hugs it] : 

Here’s my Georgiana Mildred! 


/ 



66 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 

Eighth Girl [ grabbing doll] : 

Gertrude! 

Seventh Girl [same action] : 

Annabelle! 

Sixth Girl [same action] : Grace Gay t 

Babe [rapturously grabbing her doll]: Ragged Bess! 

Boys [each to other teasingly ]: 

Boys,—what a beauty! 

Babe [looking defiant and facing each in turn] : 

Ain ’t she sweet ? 

Boys [in confusion]: 

Oh, yes! yes! yes! 

Fourth Girl [grabbing doll ]: 

Here’s my Bridget! [Hugging her.] 

Third Girl : And here ’s black Topsy! 

Babe [hugging her doll to her] : 

I’d much rather have old Bess! 

Second Girl: 

Here’s my Ruth! [Takes from boy and hugs her.] 

First Girl [same action ]: 

And my Samantha! 

Boys [laughing and pointing ]: 

Oh, Samantha! 

First Girl [hugging doll to her ]: 

She ’s a dear! 

[Girls hug dolls; Boys watching with superior and 
scornful smiles.] 

Fourth Boy: 

Ain’t girls just awful silly? 








FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


67 


Third Boy: 

Come, let's us get out of here! 

Second Girl*. 

Did those boys abuse the dollies? 

Third Girl : 

Hold them crooked? 

Fourth Girl: Upside down? 

Girls: 

Naughty, naughty boys! 

First Boy [pointing to Girls] : 

Just see them! 

Twelfth Boy [pointing to Girls] 

How they stamp! 

Second Boy [pointing to Girls] : 

And scold! 

Eleventh Boy [pointing to Girls] : And frown! 
Fifth Girl: 

Did they steal our pretty babies 

From their beds so warm and white, 

Sixth Girl: 

And then try to take our places 
With the people here to-night? 

Seventh Girl: 

They might know they couldn't do it! 
Eighth Girl: 

Why, we have the nicest part! 

And with all our baby sweetness, 

We steal deep into each heart! 

Third Boy [in whisper to others] : 

Hadn't we better say we 're sorry? 


68 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Tenth Boy: 

Yes! 

Fourth Boy: 

Let’s do! 

Ninth Boy [leaning over , nodding to Third Boy] : 

You! 

Third Boy [leaning over , shaking head emphatically , and 
then nodding to Ninth Boy] : 

You! 

Boys [all together , looking at Third Boy] : 

No—you! 

[Nodding emphatically .] 
Third Boy [greatly embarrassed , at a loss for words , twists 
sleeve ] : 

Girls, we ’re really very sorry 
For our trick! 

Girls [ each , looking at the others questioningly ] : 

Do you think it’s true ? 

Boys [ all — protesting ]: 

Oh, it is, girls ! 

[ Pause , All nod emphatically to Third Boy.] 

Third Boy [ embarrased , but thinks he has to ] : 

Please forgive us! 

Eighth Boy [coming to rescue ] : 

We just thought it fun to tease! 

Fourth Boy: 

But we did n’t mean to hurt you! 

Ninth Girl: 

Girls, shall we forgive? 

Boys [suddenly drop to knees , clasping hands imploringly] : 

Do, please! 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


69 


Tenth Girl [looking at the others uncertainly] : 
I suppose we must! 

Eleventh Girl [boldly and commandingly ] : 

But, listen! 

You must never once again 
Try* to take our own, own places 
With these ladies, and these men! 

Girls [all, shaking fingers at boys] : 

Promise! 

Boys [shaking heads emphatically] : 

Never! 

Girls [still shaking fingers] : 

Sure, now! 

Boys [even more emphatically than before ]: 

Never! 

Twelfth Girl : 

And our dollies, too, you know! 

How you hurt their tender feelings 
When they love their mammas so! 

Eleventh Girl: 

You must ask them to forgive you! 

Boys [ aghast , pointing to dolls] : 

Dollies ? 

Girls [nodding emphatically] : 

Yes, sir! 

Boys [looking at one another in consternation ]: 

Dollies! 

Girls [determinedly] : Yes! 

Boys [to one another ]: 

Shall we, boys? 



70 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Fifth Boy : It ’s awful hard to, 

But we really must, I guess! 

[Nods to them a sort of command.] 

Boys [in concert] : 

Dollies, please forgive us! 

Girls [with relief] : There now! 

[Make dolls how to B<5ys.] 

Tenth Girl: 

Dollies heard, and it’s all right! 

[Boys rise, looking silly.] 

Ninth Girl: 

Say, girls, hadn’t we better let them 
Help us bid the crowd good night ? 

Girls [all — graciously] : 

Yes, we will! 

Boys [bowing gratefully] : 

Oh, thank you! 

Eighth Girl [to Boys] : But listen! 

You must watch and act like us! 

Ninth Girl: 

Boys are always dreadful noisy, 

Sure to make a great big fuss! 

Seventh Girl*. 

Can’t you see these folks are tired 
Of the things you’ve tried to say ? 

Sixth Boy [penitently] : 

Well, we’ve tried our best to please them L 

Sixth Girl: 

But you didn’t know the way! 

Girls: • 

You ’re just boys! 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


71 


Boys [all, nodding assent, sadly] : 

Just boys! 


Fifth Girl: 


How could you 


Know the way to please the crowd 
That were waiting for our coming? 


Babe : 


’Course you talked too fast! 


Fourth Girl: 


—Or loud! 


Third Boy: 

Well, we mustn’t keep them longer! 

Seventh Girl: 

No, you’ve talked ’em most to death! 

And we’ve run so hard to get here 
That we ’re awfully out of breath! 

First Girl: 

Tell the folks good night, boys, quickly! 

Tenth Boy [ embarrassed ] : 

All you ladies, and you men, 

As this closes up our program 
We can’t speak for you again, 

So— so —so— [Looks helplessly at others.] 

Eleventh Boy : We ’ll have to leave you 
But we’ve tried to treat you right! 

Girls and Boys [all together, except Babe] : 

Good night, all! 

Twelfth Boy: Come on, then, fellows! [All start off.] 

Second Girl [takes hold of arm] : 

Hurry, Babe! Come on! 




72 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Babe [has been nodding, sees them leaving, and starts in sur¬ 
prise. As Second Girl takes hold of her arm, she nods 
assent, showing she understands, and then bows low to 
audience ] : Good night! 

[Follows the rest off very slowly, rubbing eyes.] 


THE TOTS’ GOOD NIGHT 

PANTOMIME FOR TWELVE LITTLE GIRLS 

\Enter in nightgowns and caps with dolls in arms. Be very 
sly and quiet about it, coming in a few steps and then, 
pausing, holding up a warning finger, and saying “ 9 Shi” 
to one another. After which, they lay the same finger on 
lip, and look at dolls in some apprehension and alarm. 
Take three or four steps, and then repeat this bit of 
pantomime. Keep it up until all are on stage in position. 
The sketch has been arranged for twelve speakers, who 
are designated by number, with the exception of the 
smallest, who is, for convenience, named “Babe.” When 
all are in position, all except Babe bow low. She stands 
with one finger in her mouth, looking the audience over 
curiously. The Tots look at her in dismay, and all nod 
at her imperatively. She stares back at them, frowning 
to show that she does not understand. They make an 
emphatic bow, jerking the head at her. She smiles with 
sudden understanding and turns to the audience, bowing 
very low, then looking at Tots proudly, as much as to 
say, “Didn’t I do it finet” The Tots nod and smile at 
her, as if satisfied, and turn again to audience. When 
the word “Tots” is used in the dialogue, it means “All 
together.’’ 

Tots [all but Babe, bowing again] : 

Good evening, big folks! 

[They nod at Babe imperatively, and she looks fright¬ 
ened.] 

Babe [bowing low again] : 

Evening, folks! 


73 


74 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 

Tots [looking at one another and shaking heads in dismay] 
Oh, dear me! 

First Tot: 

We heard our mammas talking 
To our papas, don’t you see? 

Tots [prompting her eagerly] : 

And big sisters! 

First Tot [nodding] : Yes, big sisters! 

Tots [as before] : 

And big brothers! 

First Tot [nodding] : 

Brothers, too! 

And we—just got so— [Hesitates for word.] 

Second Tot [in loud whisper] : 

Excited! 

First Tot [nods assent] : 

That we did n’t know what to do! 

Third Tot: 

’Cause, you see, they told each other 
All about this program here. 

Fourth Tot: 

And the speaking, 

Fifth Tot: And the singing, 

Sixth Tot: 

And the talking, too! 

Tots : Oh, dear! 

Second Tot: 

Yes,—all that! while we were lying 
Snugly tucked into our bed! 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


75 


First Tot : 

Yes— [Holds up finger.] 

“Go right to sleep, my darling!” 

That was what my mamma said! 

Third Tot: 

“Go to sleep just like a good girl!” 

[Imitating mother’s voice.] 

Fourth Tot: 

“Be the sweet child that you are!” [Imitating.] 
First Tot : 

But, we all felt just like crying, 

Second Tot: 

It all seemed so dreadful far! 

Babe [wiping eyes on doll’s skirt] : 

Boo—hoo—hoo! 

Tots •[looking at one another in alarm]: 

There! now she’s crying! 

Make her stop! 

Babe [taking skirt from eyes]: 

I’ve stopped! 

Seventh Tot [speaking to audience] : 

Oh, dear! 

If we’d known how she’d have acted 

We never would have brought her here! 

Tots: 

Oh, dear no! 

Eighth Tot: But when we listened 

In our little beds so white, 

And we heard about the program 
You were going to have to-night 


76 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Ninth Tot: 

And that all the big girls— 

Eighth Tot: Yes, sir, 

And the big boys, too, they said, ' 

Were to make such lovely speeches, 

With us— [ Pauses , wipes eyes. ] 

Ninth Tot [ indignantly ] : 

Safely tucked in bed! 

Tenth Tot: 

Why, we knew you never, never 
Could have that without your girls,— 

[All bow low.] 

Ninth Tot: 

With our little songs and dances,— 

[All dance up and down.] 

Eighth Tot: 

And our dainty little curls. 

[All toss heads * proudly .1 

Tots: 

Oh, dear, no! 

Eighth Tot: Of course you couldn’t! 

Tots : 

The idea! 

Seventh Tot : For, you see, 

You could never have much program 
Without me! 

Tots [all but Babe, pointing to selves] : 

And me! [Bow low.] 

Babe [pointing to self and bowing] : 

And me! 

[Tots laugh, pointing at her. She hangs head, as if 
ashamed.] 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


77 


Sixth Tot: 

So we thought: “We’ll take our dollies, 

[All nod while she talks.] 
And even if the program starts, 

None of them can creep so closely 
Into all the people’s hearts! ’ ’ 

Tots: 

Oh, dear, no! 

Seventh Tot : And so we hurried! 

Eighth Tot : 

Didn’t even wait to dress, 

But just grabbed our sleepy dollies— 

Seventh Tot: 

You won’t mind our clothes, I guess! 

Tots: 

Oh, dear, no! 

Sixth Tot: You see, we hurried! 

Tots: 

Hurried! 

Babe : Hurried! 

Tots: Had to run! 

Eleventh Tot: 

For we knew if we were late that 
You would miss the nicest fun! 


Babe: 

’Course you’d miss the nicest fun! 
Eleventh Tot: 

And we knew if we could get here 
Before they’d turned out the light, 




SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


That, although we missed the program, 

We could bid you all good night! 

Tenth Tot: 

And we know you never could be 
Half as happy as you are 
If you missed us from the program 
When you came so dreadful far] 

Tots: 

Oh, dear, no! 

Sixth Tot: And so we hurried! 

Tots: 

Past—fast—fast! 

Babe : And here we be! 

First Tot: 

Are ! 

Babe : Well, are, then! 

Tots: With our dollies! 

[Tots hold up dolls .] 

Fifth Tot [ nodding ] : 

Just as waked-up as can be! 

Fourth Tot: 

Now it’s late, and we must hurry! 

Babe [ eagerly ]: 

Oh, let’s show our dollies first ! 

Tots [as if shocked ]: 

Oh, dear me! 

Fifth Tot: Our dollies? 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


79 


Sixth Tot [with air of superior age and wisdom] : 

Bless me, 

If that child just ain’t the worst! 

Seventh Tot: 

But—to please her— 

[All look at one another inquiringly .] 
Tots [nodding to one another] : 

Yes! 

Eighth Tot : Let’s show them! 

Ninth Tot: 

This is Belle! 

Tenth Tot*. Susan! 

Eleventh Tot: And May! 

Fifth Tot: 

This is Georgiana Mildred! 

Eighth Tot: 

Gertrude! 

Seventh Tot : Annabelle! 

Sixth Tot: Grace Gay! 

Babe : 

Ragged Bess! [A rag doll,] 

Tots : Oh, girls, just see her! 

Babe [looking defiant] : 

Ain’t she sweet ? 

Tots [ hastily, fearing trouble] : 

Oh, yes, yes, yes! 

Fourth Tot: 

This is Bridget 1 


80 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 

Third Tot: This, Black Topsy! 

Babe [hugging doll to her ] : 

I’d much rather have old Bess! 

Second Tot: 

This is Ruth! 

First Tot: And this Samantha! 

Tots [laughing and pointing]: 

O Samantha! 

First Tot [hugging doll to her] : 

She’s a dear! 

[Tots smile at one another , and then hug their own 
dolls to them more closely, as though satisfied .] 

Second Tot: 

But come, girls, these folks look tired— 

Let us run away from here! 

Third Tot [making wry face] : 

Back to bed ? 

Tots [making faces, and shuddering] : 

To bed! 

Ninth Tot : Let’s hurry! 

Tots [covering dolls] : 

Hurry! 

Babe [rubbing eyes] : 

I’m so sleepy! 

Tots [in scorn] : You? [She hangs head.] 

First Tot [to audience] : 

We ’re so ’shamed the way she’s acting 
We just don’t know what to do! 



FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


81 


Tenth Tot: 

Some time, folks, we ’ll come to see you 
When we have more time to stay! 

Eleventh Tot [rubbing eyes, looking sheepishly at others]: 
But—I’m afraid we ’re getting sleepy, 

So we’d better run away! 

Babe [ hugging doll] : 

Dolly, sleepy, too! 

Tots [ looking at dolls quickly, in alarm, and rocking in arms] : 
Poor dollies! 

Tenth Tot: 

Of course they are! 

Ninth Tot : . We just must go! 

Eighth Tot : 

If they’d all get cross and cry now, 

We’d be in a fix, you know! 

[All laugh and start off—then stop.] 

Seventh Tot: 

We would stay a little longer 

If the lights were not so— [Pauses, rubs eyes.] 

Sixth® Tot : Bright! 

Fourth Tot: 

Now— [rubs eyes] —let’s go to bed! 

Tots [bowing, all but Babe] : Good night, friends! 

Third Tot: 

Come on ! [Starts off.] 

Hurry, Babe! [Takes hold of arm.] 


Second Tot: 


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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Babe [has been nodding, sees them leaving and starts in 
surprise. As Second Tot takes hold of her arm, she 
nods assent, showing she under starids, then bows low to 
audience.] Good night! 

[Follows the rest off very slowly, rubbing eyes.] 


ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN 


DOLL DIALOGUE FOR FOUR SMALL GIRLS 

Scene: A room fitted up as Day Nursery, with three doll- 
beds, toys, and a “ Kiddie-Koop,” or some similar con¬ 
trivance, inside of which are several dolls. 

In rocking chair sits a little girl, dressed as nurse or matron. 
She has a baby doll in her arms, and is trying to hush its 
cries. [Cries are from off stage.] Little girl rocks, as 
she speaks. 

Matron : There! There! Don’t cry so! -I never heard 
such a cross child! I wonder if it could be a pin that 
makes it cry? Sogie mothers are so careless! 

[Turns child over and draws out a large safety-pin. 

Child moans once and stops crying.] 

Well, of all things! No wonder it cried! It ’ll go to 
sleep now. I do hope I ’ll have an easy day. I m all 
tired out. 

[Lies back in chair and closes eyes, just as knock is heard. 
She opens door and admits three “mothers” with 
small children in their arms, the children being well 
wrapped np.] 

First Mother : It’s awful cold out. Can you keep our 
babies, while we go to a meeting? 

Matron: Oh, I guess so. Are they very small? 

Second Mother: They ’re all small. But mine ’s good. 

First and Third Mothers [in unison] : So is mine. [They 
kiss their babies.] You darling! 

Matron : Well, take off their things and Hy them on these 
beds. I’ve got my hands full with this one. It s so 
fretty. [Baby cries.] 


83 


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SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Third Mother: It hasn’t got anything, has it? 

Second Mother: I’d hate to have my darling [kisses baby] 
catch any dreadful disease. But I do want to go to this 
meeting. 

Matron : The child is n’t sick. It’s safe enough. Come on. 

[Matron turns down covers of beds, still holding baby, 
and Mothers unwrap babies.] 

Third Mother [suddenly] : Oh, say, wouldn’t it be dread¬ 
ful if we got the babies mixed up ? They ’re so tiny you 
can’t tell them apart now. 

Second Mother [ indignantly ]: The very idea! Why, my 
baby has real character in her face already. She has 
artistic fingers, too, and I just know she ’ll be a great 
mu— 

First Mother [bending over her baby] : I never heard of 
such a thing! [Bending lower and cuddling baby.] 
Mother’s pet! As if she could look like just any baby! 

Matron : The beds are ready. 

Third Mother [laying baby in first bed] : Well, I suppose 
I ’ll know my own child. [Kisses baby.] Good-bye, 
dearie. 

[Other Mothers lay babies in beds, and say good-bye. 
As Second Mother straightens up, she notices a 
group of flags in a vase and thinks of a plan.] 

Second Mother: / know what we can do! Put a different 
flag on the beds. I ’ll take the American, you take the 
French, and you the English. [Hands flags, as she 
speaks.] 

First Mother : Fine ! Have you some string ? 

Matron [going to drawer] : Here’s some elastics. 

Mothers: That’s fine. [They fasten flags on bed posts.] — 
Good-bye.—Be good to my baby.—We ’ll be back at 
twelve. 

[They leave and Matron sinks into chair.] 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


85 


Matron : Such fuss-budgets! Oh, I’m tired. I wish I could 
get forty winks. [Closes eyes.] 

[Some child gets fussy and cries. Matron gets various 
toys, but the child wants the flags. Finally the 
Matron takes flags f rom beds and gives them to one 
of children in “koop,” who is instantly quiet. Then 
she lays sleeping baby on one of the beds and settles 
down in her chair for a nap. She falls asleep. A 
minute or two elapses, then she wakes with a start, 
and looks at watch.] 

Mercy, it’s five minutes to twelve and those women will 
be here. I must put those flags back. [Stands before 
beds.] Which belongs wheref I don’t know! Oh, yes, 
this is the way! [Places flags on wrong beds.] 

[Knock at door, and she admits the three Mothers.] 

First Mother: Was my baby good? But what a question! 
She always is! 

Second Mother: Oh, it was a fine meeting. All about the 
mother’s duty to her children. Was my baby good? 

Matron : Good as gold. 

Second Mother : I knew she would be. The darling! 

Third Mother: Didn’t you think that part about a moth¬ 
er’s care just too sweet? 

First Mother: Yes, and about the— [Cries are heard.] ts # 
that my baby, crying ? 

Matron : Is this your baby, Madam ? 

First Mother*. Mine was the French flag, so here’s my 
darling. [Bends over bed.] 

[Second Mother bends over bed with American flag, 
and Third Mother over one with English flag. They 
show signs of horror.] 

Three Mothers: This isn’t my baby. Mine had (light, 
dark, curly) hair. What have you done to change them 
so? ’ [All stand , looking at Matron, who is frightened .] 


86 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 

Matron: I never touched one of your babies! 

Mothers [taking babies in their arms, and changing them] : 
Give me my baby.—My sweetheart!—Here ’s yours. Give 
me mine. 

Matron : Are they all straightened out ? 

First Mother: Let ’s go as fast as we can. .[Put on babies’ 
wraps. Many kisses.] I ’ll never leave my baby again. 
Think what might have happened ^with that woman so 
careless! 

Second Mother : That lecturer was right. No one can care 
for a baby like its own mother. 

Third Mother: Well, if the Matron wasn’t so careless, it 
would be all right. You can’t trust anybody. 

[Cries are heard, and Matron takes up baby from bed.] 

First Mother: And that woman had that strange baby on 
the same bed as my lovely darling. I thought it was a 
bundle of clothes. 

Second Mother : It cries as if it had something. 

Third Mother : Come, let’s get away from here. I don ’t 
know why we came at all. 

[Mothers leave hastily, without a word to the Matron, 
who opens the door.] 

Matron [angrily] : Well, it wasn’t my fault. Accidents 
will happen. ' [Closes door.] 


M. Josephine Moroney 


BASEBALL 

A MOTION ACROSTIC FOR NINE BOYS 


First Boy: 

B is the letter that stands for the Ball; 

Round as an apple it’s made. (1) 

Our team’s so fine that we’ve lost none at all 
Out of the games that we Ve played. 

Second Boy: 

A is for Arrow so pointed and swift, 

I can pitch balls just as straight; (2) 

Pa says he thinks that I Ve got a great gift— 
When I’m grown up I ’ll be great! (3) 

Third Boy: 

S is for Spring, when the fever begins, 

Di’monds appear everywhere. 

My! we ’re excited when our home team wins! (4) 
Say, we ’re the champions for fair! (5) 

Fourth Boy: 

E is the Energy back of the bat; 

See how my muscles stand out! (6) 

Baseball’s fine exercise, I tell you that! 

Good for a boy, without doubt! 

Fifth Boy: 

B stands for Baseball Bat, also for Base; 

This is the way the trick’s done— (7) 

So that the ball will go whirling through space, 
And you can make a home run. 

87 



88 


SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 


Sixth Boy: 

A is the Attitude I always strike (8) 

When it’s my turn at the bat; 

Now you can smile and say just what you like, 

But I’m a winner at that. 

Seventh Boy: 

L is Left-fielder —he has to be spry, 

Keep his eyes right on his man; (9) 

’Cause if he does n’t, and lets him get by, 

He ’ll get a “call” from some “fan.” 

Eighth Boy: 

L’s for the League we belong to up town (10) 

We won the pennant last year; 

Say, it’s a dandy, of gold and of brown— 

Hi, there, (11) I say, bring it here. 

Ninth Boy [enters with pennant ]: 

Last year we won out in every last game, 

And this fine pennant will tell (12) 

That we are champions worthy the name; 

Come, boys, let’s give them our yell! 

[Tfie nine give yell, adapted to school.] 
DIRECTIONS FOR MOTIONS 

On a table at back of stage or room should be piled bats, balls, 
masks, mits, etc., in great disorder. Tacks should be arranged 
above table to receive letters, which should be of gold, on back¬ 
ground of brown. Boys should be dressed in some uniform suitable 
for baseball—a regular baseball suit, if available, or khaki trousers 
and sweater. As each boy enters, he should hang up his letter 
before advancing to say his four lines. The numbers suggest 
places where appropriate motions may be introduced, and these 
motions will easily suggest themselves to the boys. The more 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


89 


spontaneous the better. When the boy brings in the pennant, he 
should take his place in the middle, with four boys on each side. 
If the school has a yell, that may be used, or this may be preferred: 

Ki yi! Ki yi! Ki yi! We’re the team! 

Ki yi! Ki yi! Ki yi! Hear us scream! 

We ’re the champion baseball team! 

Ki yi! Ki yi! 

The pennant may be of brown crepe paper, with gold letters: 
CHAMPIONS, 191—. 


M. Josephine Moroney 


MOLLIE AND I 


DIALOGUE FOR THREE GIRLS 

Scene: Boom with a small table prettily set for breakfast 
for two. 

Enter Mollie and Dollie, little girls dressed as ladies, in 
trailing gowns and pretty boudoir caps. They enter 
slowly, their arms around each other, as they walk toward 
the table. 

Dollie : Oh Mollie, you do look just too sweet in that cap! 
It ’s a lovely color! 

Mollie: I’m glad you like it, dear. [Kisses her.] Let ’s 
sit down. I ’m as hungry as a bear! Ring for Sue, dear. 

[Dollie rings, and Sue enters, dressed as maid, in cap 
and apron. She brings in a plate of rolls, and then 
goes back to the kitchen, returning with a tray, on 
ivhich are placed a coffee-pot, and also a teapot, both 
small. She places the coffee-pot beside Mollie, and 
the teapot beside Dollie, and then withdraws.] 

Dollie-. Please pass the cream, Mollie. 

Mollie : Cream for tea! It’s a shame to waste it so. I 
can’t see why you will drink tea for breakfast when 
coffee is so much nicer. 

Dollie: I just hate coffee! And I love tea! Won’t you try 
some ? Do! 

Mollie: Don’t ask me! You always did have the strangest 
tastes! 

Dollie: My tastes aren’t any stranger than yours. 

Mollie : Oh yes, they are. It’s perfectly natural to like 
coffee, but tea! I never could see why any one of 
90 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 91 

refined tastes would prefer it to this nectar. [Sips her 
coffee.] 

Dollie [wiping her eyes] : I think you ’re horrid to say I *m 
not refined. Tea grows, just like coffee, and I can’t— 
Mollie [very angrily] : Oh, don’t be a silly, Dollie! You ’re 
always getting your feelings hurt. No need of crying! 
Dollie [drying her tears] : I’m not crying, and I don’t care 
if you want to drink your old coffee. You’ve never tried 
tea, so you don’t know what you ’re missing. [Sips 
daintily from her cup.] 

Mollie [draining her cup] : There! I’m not going to stay 
here and listen to your nonsense any longer. Stay with 
your bitter old tea. 

[Gets up and leaves the room, stamping her foot and 
slamming the door.] 

Dollie: Now, wasn’t it silly of us to quarrel so? Well. 
I ’ll go and find her and make up, for we love each other 
dearly. I ’ll take out some things as I go. 

[Gets up and takes coffee-pot in one hand and teapot in 
the other. She goes toward the door, and when 
almost there turns to audience and says:] 

You see— 

Mollie, my sister, and I fell out, 

And what do you think it was about? 

She loved coffee [Raising coffee-pot.] 

And I loved tea, [Raising teapot.] 

And that was the reason we could n’t agree. 

[As she speaks last words she drops Curtsy and goes.out.] 

M. Josephine Moroney 


AMERICA 


A PATRIOTIC ACROSTIC FOR SEVEN CHILDREN 

The letters of the word AMERICA should be made of paste¬ 
board, gilt, on a background of red, white, and blue crepe paper, 
shield shape. As each child says a line, the letter should be hung 
on its proper tack at one side of the room, where a flag should be 
fixed to float above the letter R. As the letter is hung each child 
should take his or her place, so as to form a line at one side of the 
flag. The salute should be given as usual, and then the children 
should march out to some patriotic music. 

A is for Army that guarded us well; 

M is for Men who for liberty fell; 

E is for Enemy thrust from our shore; 

R ranks of soldiers, amid the guns’ roar; 

I is the dear Independence we won; 

C is our Country, as fair as the sun; 

A’s the Allegiance we feel for our land; 

Let us now pledge it with heart and with hand: 

I pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the 
Country for which it stands, one Nation indi¬ 
visible, with Liberty and Justice for all. 

_ M. Josephine Moroney 


92 


/ 


FOURTEEN-NINETY-TWO 

A COLUMBUS-DAY AGROSTIC FOR EIGHT CHILDREN 

The letters of the word COLUMBUS may be made of paste' 
board, gilt, on a green background. The background may be round, 
diamond shape, or shield shape, with a band across the back, so 
that the child may hold it with his hand hidden. As each child 
enters, he holds the letter in his right hand, high, with his face 
visible. As he finishes his stanza, he brings the letter in front of 
his face, so that the word is plainly spelled when all are standing 
in a row. 

First Child: 

C is for Christopher, mariner brave; 

Over the perilous sea his ships sailed, 

Menaced by dangers of wind and of wave, 

Till, in the distance, a new land he hailed. 

Second Child: 

0 is for Ocean, uncharted and vast; 

High rose the billows around the ships three; 

Deep boomed the storm and the furious blast, 

But still undaunted was Clfristopher C. 

Third Child : 

L is the Longing for lands yet unsought— 

Lands so far distant they seemed all unreal; 

But by deep faith are all miracles wrought; 

Faith deep and true did brave Christopher feel. 

Fourth Child: 

U is for Uncle; his other name ’s Sam; 

Tall and ungainly, he’s loved by us all; 

His is the care that makes me what I am— 

Without him Christopher’s plans would all fall. 

93 


94 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 

Fifth Child: 

M’s for Her Majesty, dear Queen of Spain; 

She gave to Christopher jewels and gold, 
Thinking of glory for him, not of gain, 

For she believed in this mariner bold. 

Sixth c Child : 

B’s for the Boot we call Italy fair; 

This is the land where gay Genoa lies; 
Christopher dreamed all his dreams over there, 
Under the lovely Italian blue skies. 

Seventh Child: 

U is the first of the great U. S. A.! 

Wonderful nation is Christopher’s land, 
Nation that’s lighted by Freedom’s bright ray— 
Ideal nation, upheld by God’s hand. 

Eighth Child: 

S is for Ships that brought Christopher here; 

Deep is the homage we bring as his due: 

Ever we ’ll honor that wonderful year— 

Ever remember Fourteen-ninety-two. 


M. Josephine Moroney 


COMING HOME TO GRANDMA’S 


A THANKSGIVING PLAY FOR FIVE GIRLS 

Scene: Sittmg-room, where five little girls are playing with 
dolls. One should he fairly tall, and the others may he 
any size. 

Anna: Say, aren’t you tired of playing dolls? I wish we 
could do something new! 

Mary : Well, we could play tenpins. 

Helen : Oh, that’s not as good as dolls. I like playing 
house best. 

Anna: Oh, we play that so much! Couldn’t we play ball? 
Nancy: We’d surely break something, and then— 

Helen : Let’s tell stories. I know a dandy! 

Dorothy : Oh, I know something better! Let ’s act a story. 
Anna [ jumping up and down] : That ’ll be fine. Come on. 

[She pidls Nancy to her feet , and the others stand up, 
while the dolls lie forgotten on the floor.] 

Mary : It ’s almost Thanksgiving. We could play we were 
coming home to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving. 

Nancy [clapping her hands]: Goody! Goody! Mary can 
be Grandma, and I ’ll be the mother and bring three 
children and a little baby home! 

Helen : That ’s just great! Come and let’s get dressed up. 

[All go out; and while they are dressing the school sings 
( ‘Over the River and Through the Woods.” 

When the song is finished, the five enter, dressed as fol¬ 
lows : 

Mary, dressed as the Grandma, in trailing skirt, with big 
white kerchief crossed on her waist. Spectacles. She 
carries a loaf of cake and puts it on a side table. 

95 


96 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS • 

Nancy, dressed as the Mother, with small hat, veil, and 
carrying a traveling hag. The three children have 
on coats and bonnets, and all carry some pet. 
Mother has large doll in her arms. She appears 
very tired. 

Grandma enters alone, the others coming later.] 
Grandma : There! That’s the last cake to bake! The dear 
children are always so fond of Grandma’s cakes. 

[Puts it on table and sits in a big chair, closing eyes as 
she talks. Takes off spectacles and polishes them.] 

I wish they’d come! I’m tired, but I love to work for 
the darling children. I ’ll just close my eyes a minute. 
It’s only two, and they can’t get here till four. 

[Closes eyes and falls asleep for a few minutes, as piano 
is softly played. A knock is heard at the door, and 
Grandma gets up with a start.] 

Mercy, I must have been asleep. 

[Knock is repeated and door is opened by Mother, who 
throws her arms around Grandma. Grandma hugs 
and kisses children, and then spies the small baby.] 
Grandma : Why, I almost forgot the baby. Bless his heart! 
Let me take him, and you take off the children’s things. 
Where’s Henry ? 

Mother [kneeling beside one child to take off things] : Oh, 
he has to come late. So he thought we’d better start 
earlier. Take off your coats and bonnets, dearies. [To 
children.] I am tired.' [Sinkrinto chair, arid children 
gather near her.] Give me the baby, Mother. 

Grandma [watching the group admiringly] : Well, you do 
have the prettiest babies! And you make a real picture 
that way. But here I am, talking, and I know the chil¬ 
dren want something to eat, after that long ride. 

[One child has wandered to table and is looking at the 
cake.] 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 97 

Grandma [stooping over this child]: E)o you like cake, dear? 

Child : Mother said yours is lovely. 

Second Child: And she said you always ask people to have 
two pieces. [Mother and Grandma laugh.] 

Grandma [taking cake to large table and cutting it] : Well, 
let ’s see if it’s big enough for two pieces for us all. 

[Gives each child a large piece, and the Mother too.] 

Helen : And we can really eat it, for Mother said we could. 

[All bite into piece of cake, and say:] 

All : My! It’s good! 

Mother*. Come, children! I must clean you up after the 
long trip. Take your things and come with Mother. 
[Mother and children leave the room, laden with things, 
still eating cake.] 

Grandma : Oh, it’s good to have them all here. I guess I ’ll 
go and see if the biscuits are ready for the oven. 

[Goes out.] 


M. Josephine Moroney 




THE PEOPLE’S MAN 


LINCOLN BIRTHDAY EXERCISE FOR SEVEN CHILDREN 

They all come on the stage at the same time, each having a card 
hung around the neck bearing one of the letters to make the word 
“Lincoln.” They keep the blank side out until they all recite 
their lines, when they turn cards to view of audience. 

L: We ’re patriotic girls and boys, 

And always love to celebrate 
The birthdays of the glorious men 
Who helped to make our nation great. 

I: We ’re very proud of Washington— 

The general so grand and true, 

Who for our country’s freedom fought, 

And won our starry banner, too. 

N: His country’s father he is called, 

And well deserves the honored name. 

Our liberty we owe to him, 

And time can never dim his fame. 

C: But there’s another name as great 
Upon our Nation’s honor roll— 

’Tis that of Lincoln, written high 
Beside it on the shining scroll. 

0: He was not grand like Washington, 

Who was so splendid yet so good. 

For Lincoln was the people’s man— 

And, like them, sprang from common blood. 

98 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


99 


L: By eager will and sturdy toil, 

Honest purpose and love of right, 
This great man from his lowly lot 
Rose to the nation’s loftiest height. 

N: Through the years of peril and strife, 
’T was his hand so steady and true 
That commanded the Ship of State 
And in safety guided it through. 

All: 

To this hero so great and wise 
The people have given a name— 
His country’s savior they call him— 
And ’tis writ in the Hall of Fame! 


Kate Walker Grove 



THE PROVIDENT SOCIETY 


A THRIFT PLAY FOR ANY NUMBER OF GIRLS AND BOYS 

Scene*. Group of children on platform. 

Edna [rushing on excitedly] : Say, girls, what do you think! 
—Friday’s Miss Norton’s birthday! 

Girls [crying out eagerly] : Oh, is it? Is it? 

Edna : Yes, it is! And—and— 

Roy [a bit scornfidly] : Well, what of it? 

Edna : Why—why—I thought it would be nice to give her a 
birthday present! 

Girls [all jumping up and down excitedly ]: Oh, let’s! 
Let’s! 

Donald: Just great, girls, i£ it don’t cost much. But what 
could we give her that she’d like, anyway? 

Edna [clasping hands ecstatically] : Why, an azalea! 

Girls [looking puzzled] : An a-za-le-a! 

Edna [importantly] : Yes, an azalea. 

Roy [interrupting] : Well, what is an a-za-le-a? 

Edna : Why, it’s a flower—a beautiful flower! There ’s one 
in Smith’s window—a little bush covered all over with 
the most bea-u-ti-ful pink flowers you ever saw in your 
life, and it’s in a pot of the sweetest green crepe paper. 

Roy : Must be swell! 

Edna : Oh, it is! It’s the swellest thing you ever saw! 

Donald : But what’s the price ? 

Edna [eagerly] : Only two dollars! 

Roy [pretending to faint] : Two—dollars! Water! Water— 
please! 

Donald: Only two dollars! Well, that’s a sure-enough joke. 
Imagine us raising two dollars in three days ’ time! 

Mary [indignantly] : Well, I suppose we can’t! But we 

100 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


101 


ought to be ashamed of ourselves not to be able to raise 
about five cents apiece to make our teacher a present. 

Donald: Of course we ought. [Going down into his pockets 
and bringing out a couple of pennies.] Here’s all I’ve 
got—and I did intend to spend that for candy. But 
Edna ’s welcome to them if it will help any. 

All [laughing] : Ha! ha! ha! 

Jane: What more do you want, Edna? 

Edna [quite crestfallen] : I guess I was foolish to think of 
such a thing. But Miss Norton came along just as I was 
looking in at Smith’s window. There were several of 
these pretty plants in the window—a white one, and a red 
one, and fr\yo or three pink ones. She asked me if I did not 
enjoy looking at things so beautiful. She told me their 
name and said she thought they were lovely. And that 
is how I happened to— 

Roy : Sure, it would be nice to give her one of these flowers, 
if we had the price. But how did you find out about her 
birthday ? 

Edna: Why, you see, her birthday book was lying open on 
her desk. The lady that came to see her yesterday wrote 

in it. 

Mary: I think your idea’s great, Edna! but we just can’t 
raise the money, and you know it. I have a nickel. How 
much have you, Roy? 

Roy [poking his hand in his pocket] : I have one cent! 

Mary: And you, Jane? 

Jane: A nickel. 

Mary : Edna ? 

Edna [very humbly] : Nothing! 

Donald and Roy [teasinglij] : Oh, Edna! 

Edna : It was awful foolish of me—but I was so excited I 
didn’t stop to think. 

Roy: Well, here are five of us with thirteen cents, and all 
the rest about in the same boat. And then to talk of 
paying two dollars for an a-za-le-a! Gee whiz! 





102 SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENTS 

Edna [half crying] : Roy Porter, you ’re just as mean as 
mean can be! 

Jane [ indignantly ] Roy, you just are! 

Donald [soothingly] : Come, come, Edna! Don’t cry! It 
was awful nice of you to think of it, and Roy is mean 
to tease you. 

Mary [soberly] : The worst of it is our room has spent enough 
in the past month for candy and gum and other things 
we didn’t need to more than pay for the flower. I’ve 
spent a quarter myself. 

Roy [half ashamed] : I ’ve done worse. I spent ten cents a 
week. 

Donald: I spend all I get. 

Jane : Me, too. 

Edna : I’m ashamed to say I do, too. 

Mary [making awry face] : We ’re not like the “busy bees,’’ 
are we ? 

Donald: Nor the “industrious ant,” either! 

Roy : Aw, let’s forget it! 

Edna [suddenly brightening up] : Say, let’s go ask Mr. 
Smith to trust us for the plant! And we ’ll save up and 
pay him so much a week. 

Jane [impatiently] : How silly, Edna! If we aren’t smart 
enough to have a couple of dollars on hand to use when 
we need it, we won’t try to go in debt for it. 

Roy [emphatically] : I should say not! 

Mary: Well, we can’t get Miss Norton a birthday present; 
but we never ought to be in the same fix again. I don’t 
think it would hurt us to save half our money every 
week. Then when we wanted to buy a new story book 
or a plant for the school, or something else we’d have 
the money to do it with. 

Donald [nodding his head] : That’s it, Mary! Let’s all of 
us promise to do that right away. 

Roy : All right! But who’s going to keep the money ? Get 
a savings bank? 


FOR LITTLE FOLKS 


103 


Jane: I ’ll tell you what! Let’s organize a club or society 
and ask everybody in the room to join. We ’ll all agree 
to give five cents a week. Let’s make Donald treasurer. 
He ’ll have to take care of the box. 

Roy [emphatically] : That’s so, Jane. We’d have to be 
backed up by a club or something else to make us do it. 
I ’ll join right off! 

The Others [in chorus] : And I—and I—and I. 

Donald: We ’ll make Edna president, because if she hadn’t 
told us about the azalea we would never have thought 
of the society. 

Roy: Might as well. Presidents don’t have much to do 
anyhow. 

Girls: Yes, Edna! Edna! 

Jane: Well, that’s settled. What ’ll we call the society? 

Roy : Not “ Busy Bees ” or “ Little Workers ’ ’ ? 

Mary [impatiently]: Certainly not! We arent promising 
to work for our money—just to save part of what we 
get and not be foolish enough to spend it all. We ’ll have 
to call it some kind of a saving society. How’s the 
“Azalea Saving Society”? 

Koy- Hardly. That would give Edna dead away. 

Donald: Say, I’ve an idea! Don’t you remember what 
Miss Norton said the other day about people being provi¬ 
dent in looking out for their old age? Suppose we call 
it the “Provident Society,” because, you see, we are pro¬ 



names and go 
goes the bell! 


[All run off stage.] 


Kate Walker Grove 





• -. 

























» 


X. 










* 



























































BEST BOOKS AND HELPS FOR TEACHERS 


--OF ALL GRADES-- 

Morning Exercises for All the Year. By Joseph C. Sindelar, author 
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90 pages. Cloth. Price (with 53 cards for pupils’ use), 75 cents. 

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77 large pages. Paper. Price, 35 cents. 

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District-School Dialogues. By Marie Irish. A collection of twenty- 
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————- By Alhambra G. Deming-- 

Principal Washington School, Winona, Minn. 

With Introduction by J. N. Adee, Supt. of Schools, Johnstown, Pa. 

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CARDS TO ACCOMPANY LANGUAGE GAMES FOR ALL GRADES 

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EASY THINGS TO DRAW 

By D. R. Augsburg 

Pbepared particularly as an aid to teachers who lack training in 
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77 large pages. Paper. Price, 30 cents 

BEST PRIMARY SONGS 

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32 illustrations in colors. 95 pages. Cloth. Price, 32 cents 

THE NIXIE BUNNY BOOKS 

By Joseph C. Sindelar 

Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land—A Rabbit Story of Good Manners 
Nixie Bunny in Workaday-Land—A Rabbit Story of the Occupations 
Nixie Bunny in Holiday-Land—A Rabbit Story of the Holidays 

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MORNING EXERCISES FOR ALL THE YEAR 


-A DAY BOOK FOR TEACHERS- 

By Joseph C. Sindelar 
Author of Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land, 

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LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION BY GRADES 

—---A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS -- -— 

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NIXIE BUNNY IN FARAWAY-LANDS 

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STRAIGHT-LINE SEWING CARDS 

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NUMBER STORIES 

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NEW AMERICAN HISTORY AND GOVERN¬ 
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120 large pages. Paper. Price, 25 cents 

ONE HUNDRED STORIES FOR REPRODUCTION 

By Kate Walker Grove. For use in the primary grades. 
80 pages. Paper. Price, 20 cents 

PRIMARY LANGUAGE STORIES 

By Alhambra G. Deming. On 48 cards, size 5x7 inches, with 
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Price, 36 cents 

NEW COMMON-SCHOOL SONG BOOK 

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the principles of music and study exercises. 

160 large pages. Boards. Price, 40 cents 

WEAVER’S NEW SCHOOL SONGS 

By Thomas B. Weaver. Provides 56 new and pleasing songs 
of great variety, for all grades. 

96 large pages. Paper. Price, 20 cents 

BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY Publishers CHICAGO 



























